9-20 ESPN INSIDER

August 16, 2014

Rather than create a new thread each day I add new ESPN INIDER INFO I shall just edit the thread title to reflect a new addition date.

I know some of you enjoy reading these articles.

I do ask if you read em when you are done simply post "bump" in the thread. That way it moves the thread up and allows others to see the thread and also partake.

ENJOY! [h=3]49ers in position to turn Kaep loose? [/h] August, 15, 2014 Aug 15

3:58

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

Under coach Jim Harbaugh, the San Francisco 49ers have been fully committed to rushing over passing. To a large extent, that was a necessity, because they already had a terrific rushing attack but lacked depth of talent in their WR corps. Now that QB Colin Kaepernick is settling in, though, it's fair to wonder whether the Niners will turn him and the passing attack loose in 2014.

An improved WR corps certainly improves the odds that they will.

"At no point last season did the 49ersâ€™ aerial attack look as strong as it has during this training camp. Actually, itâ€™s stunning to see how much better this area is than it was last season," wrote ESPN 49ers reporter Bill Williamson. "Quarterback Colin Kaepernick is surely benefiting.

"A few examples: As a rookie, Quinton Patton was the No. 3 receiver last year. This year, heâ€™s improved, but he might be the sixth and final receiver on the 53-man roster. Jonathan Baldwin was a frontline receiver for a spell in 2013. This year, he was cut 10 days into training camp. The additions of veterans Stevie Johnson, Brandon Lloyd and explosive fourth-round pick Bruce Ellington to go with holdover starters Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin make for a pretty special group. It has showed in camp."

In fact, their improvements at wide receiver arguably give them the top WR corps in the NFL.

"On paper the 49ers look set to field the best group of receivers and tight ends in the league this year, which is a far cry from 2013," wrote Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus.

Whether the pass attack truly takes flight in San Francisco this year may largely be up to Kaepernick and his success in the pocket.

"The question mark is quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who struggled under pressure with the fifth-lowest accuracy percentage in the NFL at 55.1 percent," McGuinness added, "but he is at least protected by an offensive line that features Joe Staley, who allowed just 20 total pressures on 471 pass-blocking snaps last year."

With one of the top defenses and what should remain a quality rushing attack, the Niners may not completely turn Kaepernick loose this season as a passer. However, when that day does come, he is sure to be a fantasy monster:

[h=5]Matt Williamson[/h] Top 100 players for dynasty leagues

"No. 41: This offseason, the 49ers showed they were committed to improving their receiving corps. Kaepernick had very little at his disposal after losing his favorite target, Michael Crabtree, in 2013. Kaepernick could be poised for a huge season, and San Francisco's offensive line should remain among the league's best for the foreseeable future. Few can accumulate fantasy points with their legs like Kaepernick can, and I fully expect him to continue to progress as a pocket passer. The sky is truly the limit here when looking at the big picture. Kaepernick versus [

Robert Griffin

III, No. 40] is close to a coin flip to me, but I expect the Redskins to be in many more situations in which they are forced to throw late in games, as opposed to San Francisco's presumed game script situation."

NFL's top open-field threats

"No. 5: I had to include one of the new breed of athletic quarterbacks on this list, and, to me, Kaepernick is the most dangerous runner of the group. The 49ers might not design as many runs for their soon-to-be-star quarterback in 2014 than in years past as they look to further develop him as a pocket passer. But maybe they should, because no one in the league eats up ground on a per-stride basis like Kaepernick. When you watch him on film, it is remarkable how fast the 5-yard marker lines disappear behind him. Unlike most long striders, though, Kaepernick isn't just a straight-line runner and doesn't take long at all to reach full speed. When he decides to go, he is gone."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Is Richardson the next Seahawks' steal? [/h] August, 15, 2014 Aug 15

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By Joe Kaiser | ESPN.com

In terms of sheer value, "steal" may not be the right term to use when it comes to rookie receiver Paul Richardson, who Seattle used a second-round pick to draft back in May. But the former Colorado star is yet another example of a player who the Seahawks selected higher than he was projected to go, so if Richardson ends up being an legitimate deep threat for Russell Wilson early in his career this is a pick that will look like a steal.

So far, Seattle has to like what it sees.

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Throughout training camp, the 6-foot, 183-pound Richardson reportedly has looked like someone who, along with a fully healthy Percy Harvin, can come in and immediately upgrade the receiving corps.

Here's Seahawks reporter Terry Blount of ESPN's NFL Nation with what he's seen out of the rookie second-rounder so far.

[h=5]Terry Blount[/h] Richardson passes the look test

"No young player in camp has been more impressive than Richardson, the second-round draft pick from Colorado. His blazing speed was obvious from the start of rookie minicamp. He has consistently beaten defenders, including the starting cornerbacks, deep on long touchdown receptions. Richardson is rail-thin at a listed 180 pounds but has shown signs that he can hold his own in blocking and getting hit."

Tags: NFL, Insider, Paul Richardson

.

[h=3]Amaro not ready for instant impact? [/h] August, 15, 2014 Aug 15

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By Joe Kaiser | ESPN.com

Jace Amaro hauled in 106 catches for 1352 yards and seven touchdowns last season at Texas Tech, making him the most productive tight end in college football. It's no wonder, then, that the New York Jets thought high enough of him to select the 6-foot-5, 265-pounder with the No. 49 overall pick in this year's NFL draft.

While nobody expects Amaro to duplicate his college numbers as a pro, there are already some concerns about the tight end -- concerns that could limit his production as a rookie this season.

Amaro was called out over the weekend by coach Rex Ryan for failing to aggressively go after passes, and that's apparently not the only issue with Amaro.

According to Brian Costello of the New York Post, Amaro's hands are also something of a concern based on his performance in training camp. "Tight end Jace Amaro has dropped passes as if it were a job requirement," Costello quipped.

If you're considering a rookie tight end for your fantasy team, Detroit's Eric Ebron, Green Bay's Richard Rodgers and probably even Tampa Bay's Austin Seferian-Jenkins look to be better options at this point. Based on the information coming in out of Jets' camp, Amaro's best days appear to be at least another year or two away.

Tags: NFL, Jace Amaro, Insider

[h=3]Jenkins falling in Bucs' depth chart? [/h] August, 15, 2014 Aug 15

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By Joe Kaiser | ESPN.com

Back in March, Tampa Bay signed veteran free agent cornerback Mike Jenkins to a one-year deal reportedly worth $1.5 million and up to $2 million in incentives. Fast-forward to today, and Jenkins may not have as big of a role heading into 2014 as he might have envisioned.

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That was one of the potential developments that Pat Yasinskas of ESPN's NFL Nation took away from Bucs' training camp. Here's Yasinskas to explain the position battle Jenkins currently finds himself in.

[h=5]Pat Yasinskas[/h] A hamstring injury has hurt Jenkins' chances

"I'm curious to see what happens at cornerback.

Alterraun Verner

is penciled in as one starter. The No. 2 job is between Mike Jenkins and

Johnthan Banks

. Jenkins missed most of camp with a hamstring injury and Banks performed well. Jenkins doesn't automatically become the nickelback because it looks like that job is going to

Leonard Johnson

. Jenkins could end up being an expensive fourth cornerback."

Tags: NFL, Mike Jenkins, Insider

[h=3]Linebacker still an issue for Dolphins? [/h] August, 15, 2014 Aug 15

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By Joe Kaiser | ESPN.com

Improved play at linebacker is one of the areas Miami is hoping for in 2014, but that may not come easy.

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In fact, Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel wrote earlier this month that the Dolphins could still have major issues at linebacker this season. In a story last week, Kelly called it one of the five negatives from Dolphins training camp.

"Training camp has provided little proof that the Dolphins have fixed the linebacker issues that plagued the 2013 defense," Kelly writes. "While Koa Misi might be the answer at inside linebacker, have the Dolphins really improved this unit's ability to diagnose running plays, and lock down athletic tight ends and scatbacks simply by swapping Philip Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe's roles?"

Miami's rush defense ranked No. 24 in the NFL last season, allowing 124.9 yards per game. For comparison's sake, Arizona led the league with 84.4 rushing yards allowed per game, while Chicago ranked last (161.4).

On Friday, Dolphins reporter James Walker of ESPN's NFL Nation mentioned that the linebacker play doesn't look promising.

[h=5]James Walker[/h] Dolphins' linebackers still have a long ways to go

"The Dolphinsâ€™ defense was 24th against the run last season. Much of the blame went towards the linebackers, which couldnâ€™t stop the run and also struggled against play-action passes defending tight ends and slot receivers over the middle. With the Dolphins tied into high-priced, multi-year contracts, they were stuck with the trio of Philip Wheeler, Koa Misi and Dannell Ellerbe as their 2014 starters. The only solution was to rearrange the positions. Miamiâ€™s coaches moved Misi to middle linebacker and Ellerbe to outside linebacker in hopes of getting better play from both linebackers. This experiment hasnâ€™t looked good. The tackling remains suspect and neither linebacker is great in coverage. The Dolphins are hoping another year in the system will result in significant improvement from this trio. There are still three preseason games remaining. But I didnâ€™t see tangible evidence of improvement in training camp."

Tags: NFL, Philip Wheeler, Dannell Ellerbe, Insider, Koa Misi

[h=3]Latest buzz on Vikings LB corps [/h] August, 15, 2014 Aug 15

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

The Minnesota Vikings have yet to nail down who will start at middle linebacker after jettisoning Erin Henderson during the offseason. Jasper Brinkley currently sits atop the depth chart, but Audie Cole continues to push him.

Coach Mike Zimmer isn't prepared to tip his hand as to who has the lead.

"I'm not there yet, so that is why I don't want to say it," Zimmer said of whether his starting linebackers are set, per the Pioneer Press.

We will get another look at both of them Saturday, when the linebackers square off in a preseason battle versus the Arizona Cardinals, for which Brinkley played last year.

Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus has the Vikings D as a whole ranked 29th and their linebackers an even worse 31st:

[h=5]Nathan Jahnke[/h] Ranking all 32 NFL defenses

"This offseason, the Vikings took some steps forward and a few back. Two of their best players on defense will be new additions

Captain Munnerlyn

and

Linval Joseph

. Munnerlyn was the only cornerback last year to be targeted more than 60 times and not allow a single touchdown. The addition of rookie pass-rusher

Anthony Barr

is also intriguing. But the Vikes lost long-time stars

Jared Allen

and

Kevin Williams

, and let go of Erin Henderson, their best linebacker. That linebacking corps could be quite weak as a result. They have gotten younger on defense and have a few pieces of the puzzle, but they still need to find out if some of their young players are a fit to complete the picture."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL

[h=3]Robert Woods slipping out of rotation? [/h] August, 15, 2014 Aug 15

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

As a second-rounder, WR Robert Woods showed some promise during his rookie campaign, pulling in 40 passes for 587 yards and 3 TDs. That included a late-season, two-game stretch when he had 8 receptions for 152 yards and 1 TD.

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The offseason additions of Sammy Watkins and Mike Williams weren't expected to have a negative impact on Woods' role, because Watkins should help open things up for his fellow wide receivers and Williams was a mess last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, Woods hasn't been running with the first team for quite a while now, and it appears that both Williams and Chris Hogan are securing roles ahead of him.

"Hogan has been getting the majority of repetitions at slot receiver with the first team. Initially, Hoganâ€™s rise could have just been to rile up Woods. However, Hogan just doesnâ€™t want to seem to go away," wrote Joe Buscaglia of WGR550.com.

"His impressive play throughout training camp has him in a spot where heâ€™s getting closer to lock territory for the 53-man roster. It will be especially safe if he continues to supplant Woods with the first-team offense."

Part of the problem for Woods may be that the Bills aren't sure at which position he fits best.

"The question is," ESPN Bills reporter Mike Rodak said, "is he an outside receiver? And in that sense, can he challenge Mike Williams for a role?

"Or is he a slot receiver and can he take over where Chris Hogan has been running with the first team for much of training camp and the preseason?"

As a rookie, Woods was used far more on the outside than inside. He ran 303 routes outside, catching nearly half of his 65 targets. On the other hand, he ran just 103 routes from the slot, catching eight of 19 targets.

It's looking like a very muddied situation for Woods, who seemed to have some sleeper value in Fantasyland prior to training camp.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Just how bad is Jets' CB situation? [/h] August, 15, 2014 Aug 15

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

As much as New York Jets coach Rex Ryan loves a great defense, he's going to have his hands full when it comes to pushing his current unit to elite heights this season.

The Jets' overall D has some potential -- Pro Football Focus' Nathan Jahnke ranked them No. 15 in the NFL -- and their interior line is particularly ferocious (Jahnke ranked them No. 1). However, Ryan's system requires impact cornerbacks, and that group was lacking even before Dimitri Patterson, Dee Milliner and Dexter McDougle got hurt. Now, it's a real mess.

"The cornerback situation is bad, like real bad," wrote Brian Costello of the New York Post. "... eeing this group on the field every day has made me think it might be even worse than anyone thought.

"The depth at the position is laughable," he added. "Itâ€™s so bad they had to move safety Antonio Allen to cornerback when the recent injuries occurred. Allen was a college linebacker who has shown he can cover tight ends in his first two years. Now, theyâ€™re asking him to cover receivers.

"Publicly, the Jets are saying theyâ€™re not worried about the corners. Trust me, they are."

For what it's worth, ESPN Jets reporter Rich Cimini thinks Allen's stock has risen the most during training camp, which has put Dmitri Patterson on notice:

[h=5]Rich Cimini[/h] Our 'Corty' awards: A look back at Cortland

"PLAYER WHOSE STOCK IMPROVED MOST: Antonio Allen. When camp started, he was in a three-way battle at safety, along with

Dawan Landry

and

Calvin Pryor

. When Dee Milliner got hurt, the coaches turned to Allen to play cornerback, hoping his football instincts can compensate for his lack of experience at the position. If he plays well in the preseason games, it could turn into a permanent gig, even when Milliner returns. Hear that, Dimitri Patterson? ... CONSPICUOUSLY QUIET: Patterson. He hasn't had a chance to do much because of various injuries, but that's the point. He has missed 33 of the last 48 games due to injuries, yet he was tabbed by the Jets to replace

Antonio Cromartie

at corner."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL

[h=3]Mallett on Pats' roster bubble? [/h] August, 15, 2014 Aug 15

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

QB Ryan Mallett missed a couple of recent practices for "maintenance" -- whatever that means -- and was limited in a couple of others, but he declared himself ready for Friday's preseason tilt with the Philadelphia Eagles.

â€œIâ€™m ready to go, whenever my number is called,â€ Mallett said Thursday. "I'm good to go."

Exactly when coach Bill Belichick calls Mallett's number likely will tell us a lot about whether the quarterback is in position to stick with the team for the regular season.

"The safe play is to keep three quarterbacks on the roster, like the Patriots did in Ryan Mallettâ€™s rookie season. But there has been increasing talk about keeping only two after Mallett struggled against Washington and Jimmy Garoppolo shined," wrote Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.

"Weâ€™ll see how Belichick views the quarterback race with the snap count Friday night. If Mallett plays most of the second, third, and even into the fourth quarter, it will be a clear sign that the Patriots are preparing him as Bradyâ€™s backup.

"But if Belichick lets Garoppolo play most or all of the second half, it could be a sign the team is willing to move on from Mallett and use his roster spot on a special teams player."

There has been plenty of buzz about Mallett being on the trade block. We should have a better read on whether the Pats are serious about keeping or dealing him after this evening's exhibition game.

Tags: Indianapolis Colts, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will courts save Gordon's '14 campaign? [/h] August, 15, 2014 Aug 15

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

A verdict on Cleveland Browns WR Josh Gordon's appeal may not be handed down until the end of next week, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The never-ending delay is getting frustrating for fantasy owners in dynasty leagues, because keeper deadlines are rapidly approaching, if they haven't already passed. But is there a good chance Gordon will play the entire 2014 campaign, even if he loses his appeal and is unable to work out some sort of compromise with the NFL?

Attorney Cedric Hopkins, who writes for FieldAndCourt.com, believes that if Gordon loses his appeal (Hopkins actually thinks Gordon will win), his camp will turn to the legal system to get him back on the field (H/T Meadowlands Media Group's Michael Salfino). Hopkins suggests several angles (including leaning on Ohio drug-testing laws to overturn the ruling), but a temporary restraining order may be the simplest.

"Gordonâ€™s request for a temporary restraining order (or, TRO) will ask the Ohio judge to stop (or restrain) the NFL from enforcing his suspension," Hopkins notes. "If you recall, the TRO in the StarCaps case (that was later turned into an injunction, which is basically the same thing) allowed ... Kevin and Pat Williams to play for two complete seasons. They played the 2009 and 2010 seasons while their case was pending in the court system."

"Because Gordon has such a solid case against the NFL based on the Ohio drug-testing laws, I believe his TRO will be granted and he will play in the 2014 season," he added. "This is all assuming he loses his appeal, which he shouldnâ€™t."

Of course, any time something like this goes to the courts, anything could happen. Nonetheless, it's an interesting take that suggest there may be hope for dynasty fantasy owners -- oh, and the Browns -- when it comes to Gordon playing the 2014 campaign.

Even with his uncertain status, he remains an interesting keeper target:

[h=5]Matt Williamson[/h] Top 100 players for dynasty leagues

"No. 57: If not for his off-the-field behavior, Gordon might be in the top five when he finally gets back on the field as the Browns' best wideout. But what to make of the Browns' quarterback situation? With Gordon, it might not matter. Just go back and check who was throwing him the ball in 2013, when he led the league in receiving despite being suspended for the first two games of the season. Still, with all of the questions here, it's tough to get an accurate read on Gordon's dynasty value."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will Blount eat into Bell's lead role? [/h] August, 15, 2014 Aug 15

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

Entering training camp, the general expectations for the Pittsburgh Steelers backfield was that second-year RB Le'Veon Bell would lead the way, rookie RB Dri Archer would be the change-of-pace option and veteran RB LeGarrette Blount would be leaned on in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

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However, coach Mike Tomlin hinted Thursday that Blount could be in store for a larger role.

â€œTheyâ€™re both going to get their share,â€ Tomlin said of Bell and Blount, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. â€œIn terms of the details, no, weâ€™ll deal with that on a game-by-game basis based on the plan, based on the health of the men and a lot of other variables.

"We have a great deal of confidence in both guys. Both guys will be central reasons why weâ€™re successful. Thatâ€™s the plan and I think theyâ€™re open to that.â€

New RBs coach James Saxon had success with a two-headed backfield (Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown) when he was the Miami Dolphins RBs coach from 2008-10. There was room for both to be usable or even successful fantasy options, but aside from '09 when Williams had 1,121 yards and 11 touchdowns, neither really maxed out.

The difference in this Steelers backfield might be a talent divide. While Blount may be underrated, Bell has tremendous upside -- perhaps enough to keep Blount from eating too much into his overall workload. In fact, ESPN NFL Insider Matt Williamson pegs Bell as his No. 13 overall dynasty target:

[h=5]Matt Williamson[/h] Top 100 players for dynasty leagues

"This might seem high for a back who averaged just 3.5 yards per carry as a rookie, but I contend that Bell looked better and better on tape as the season went along. I also think the Steelers' offensive line (thanks to Mike Munchak and

Maurkice Pouncey

) will be much better in 2014 than it was in 2013. LeGarrette Blount might eat into Bell's touchdown numbers to some degree, but Bell is also an exceptional receiver for a big back -- a quality you rarely find in the NFL. Oh, and this: Bell doesn't turn 23 until February."

August 17, 2014

[h=3]Any chance Bortles starts Week 1? [/h] August, 17, 2014 Aug 17

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

The Jacksonville Jaguars have said from Day 1 that Blake Bortles is going to be groomed as a backup to Chad Henne throughout his rookie campaign. They have stuck with that plan all summer and continue to, even though Bortles has looked terrific during his preseason action.

Coach Gus Bradley and crew are tied to the old-school approach, where rookie quarterbacks bided their time behind a veteran, rather than moving to the new-school way of letting them learn on the fly -- a tactic that has had quite a bit of success in recent years.

"Consider that from 1990-2007, only eight quarterbacks started in Week 1 of their rookie years: Jeff George, Rick Mirer, Drew Bledsoe, Ryan Leaf, Peyton Manning, Quincy Carter, David Carr, and Kyle Boller," noted Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. "Other than Manning and Bledsoe, itâ€™s not exactly a distinguished list. Carr is the shining example of how to ruin a quarterback by playing him too early.

"But from 2008-13, 14 quarterbacks started in Week 1 of their rookie years, and seven took their teams to the playoffs: Flacco, Ryan, Mark Sanchez, Andy Dalton, Griffin, Luck, and Wilson. Matthew Stafford, Cam Newton, and Ryan Tannehill also have been starters since Day 1."

Bradley may well relent and insert Bortles as the season rolls along -- and a Henne injury could force his hand -- but ESPN Jags reporter Michael DiRocco is convinced that Henne will be under center for their regular-season opener. He also thinks the Jags are convinced that Bortles has progressed quickly this offseason in large part because he isn't prepping to start:

[h=5]Michael DiRocco[/h] Jags' stubbornness has helped Bortles

"The Jaguars believe that committing to Henne as the starter has put Bortles in a situation that has allowed him to learn the offense faster, begin to fix some fundamental and footwork issues, and make quicker-than-anticipated strides. They may be correct. Itâ€™s much easier to make progress when youâ€™re not under pressure to reach a certain level by a certain date. Relaxed learning generally produces better results than someone standing over your shoulder pushing you ahead. Thatâ€™s why Bradley isnâ€™t budging. Henne will be the starter when the Jaguars open the season at Philadelphia on Sept. 7. Bortles will be the backup. Heâ€™ll have to know the game plan and be ready to go into the game if needed, but his No. 1 priority is to continue to progress. The Jaguars will eventually make the change, though. Bortlesâ€™ development will hit the point where he gives the team a better chance to win games than Henne. Maybe it will be next season. Maybe it will be after the bye. Maybe it will be Week 4. No one knows when the rookie will reach that point, but the Jaguars believe not pushing him to get there will make it arrive sooner. And theyâ€™re being stubborn about it."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Could Chiefs cut Dwayne Bowe? [/h] August, 17, 2014 Aug 17

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

WR Dwayne Bowe has let the Kansas City Chiefs down multiple times during his seven-year career, the latest being a one-game suspension handed down Friday for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Coach Andy Reid also said last week that Bowe has a finger which is "shot."

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With an apparently chronic finger injury and seemingly never-ending questions concerning Bowe's dedication to his craft and the Chiefs, might the franchise decide to part ways with him? It appears that may be an option.

"The suspension most likely voids the remaining fully guaranteed money in Boweâ€™s contract: $8.75 million in 2014 and $1.5 million in 2015," wrote Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com. "It creates a window for the Chiefs to dump Bowe, avoiding more than $10 million and creating an immediate $8.75 million in 2014 cap space. (The extra cap space now would almost entirely offset the $9 million cap charge theyâ€™d take in 2015, due to the post-June 1 move.)

"Unless Boweâ€™s contract specifically was negotiated to remove now-standard language voiding future guarantees in the event of a suspension, the Chiefs could make a move at any point after Boweâ€™s one-week exile begins, but before the moment that his salary becomes guaranteed as 'termination pay,' a benefit for all players with four or more years of service who are on a teamâ€™s Week One roster."

The Chiefs WR corps is thin enough that the front office may see keeping Bowe as more beneficial to them than letting him go. On the other hand, this likely won't be the last time we hear Bowe's name connected to another off-field issue:

[h=5]Adam Teicher[/h] Dwayne Bowe will let Chiefs down again

"If you're surprised at this latest news regarding Dwayne Bowe -- he was suspended one game for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy -- you haven't been paying attention. You remember his four-game suspension in 2009 for performance-enhancing drugs. You recall that earlier in his career, Bowe repeatedly reported to camp in lousy physical condition. You know dependability isn't Bowe's strong suit, despite his three 1,000-yard seasons. Next time, however, will the Chiefs be fortunate enough to lose Bowe for only one game and against one of the weaker opponents on their schedule? Because there's one thing we know, if we've been paying attention: Bowe will eventually let the Chiefs down again. ... Next time, however, will the Chiefs be fortunate enough to lose Bowe for only one game and against one of the weaker opponents on their schedule? Because there's one thing we know, if we've been paying attention: Bowe will eventually let the Chiefs down again."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

.

[h=3]LT Baker: torn patella tendon? [/h] August, 17, 2014 Aug 17

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

Last season, Atlanta Falcons LT Sam Baker missed a dozen games with a torn patella tendon in his left knee. He exited Saturday's preseason game with the Houston Texans, and it appears that it may be a repeat of the same injury -- only to his other knee.

"The early diagnosis for #Falcons LT Sam Baker is a torn patella tendon, per source. If tests confirm, would almost certainly end his season," tweeted NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

The Falcons inserted Lamar Holmes at left tackle when Baker went down last night. However, if Baker is done for the season, then the long-term solution for the Falcons likely will be in the hands of sixth overall pick Jake Matthews.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]MRI for Prince Amukamara? [/h] August, 17, 2014 Aug 17

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

CB Prince Amukamara departed Saturday's preseason game with a strained groin, though he downplayed the injury.

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"It didn't pop, it just strained a little bit. That's why they had to shut me down," Amukamara said.

Nonetheless, there should be some level of concern for the Giants, since an MRI likely is on tap.

"Amukamara will wait to see how he feels tomorrow," wrote NJ.com's Connor Orr Saturday. "There is a good chance he'll go in for an MRI if he's not 100 percent comfortable to check on the severity of the sprain."

"Amukamara said the only comparable feeling he's had was a hamstring strain, which kept him out between a week and 10 days, Orr added.

The Giants have 22 days until their Monday night opener versus the Detroit Lions, so he should have plenty of time to heal up, if it's really a minor malady.

If it takes longer, the Giants should be able to hold the fort down due to the depth they have in the secondary:

[h=5]Nathan Jahnke[/h] Ranking all 32 NFL defenses

"No. 26: The strength of the Giants is in a secondary that will look very different from last year's.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

was added to the roster; he instantly becomes their best player on defense. Only 44.1 percent of passes thrown his way were caught last season, which was second best in the league, behind only new teammate

Trumaine McBride

, who allowed 43.8 percent. They also have

Stevie Brown

returning from injury; he had eight interceptions in 2012. The losses of

Justin Tuck

and

Linval Joseph

will hurt their defensive line, though DT

Johnathan Hankins

has flashed ability and could step up."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Is Christine Michael fantasy-worthy? [/h] August, 16, 2014 Aug 16

2:29

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By Joe Kaiser | ESPN.com

Countless stories were written and who knows how much air time was dedicated over the offseason to the topic of Seattle's second-year running back Christine Michael and 2014 being his possible breakout year.

But with the regular season only 19 days away for the Seahawks, does their 2013 second-rounder really appear to be someone worth taking a flyer on late in your fantasy draft?

An injury to Marshawn Lynch would certain change everything in an instant, but for now it doesn't appear that Michael's role will be significant enough to warrant fantasy consideration.

Here is ESPN Insider's fantasy expert Eric Karabell with more on Michael's falling fantasy stock.

[h=5]Eric Karabell[/h] Pass on Christine Michael in 2014

"One of the stars of last preseason, Michael has been discussed quite a bit this summer, as well, because the Seahawks are a clear running team and starter Marshawn Lynch has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, whether it's holdout talk or a police investigation. Plus, those legs have quite a bit of mileage on them. You know what: Lynch is my No. 6 player and still safe, and Michael is still the team's No. 3 running back, after

Robert Turbin

. Honestly, Michael might be full of upside, but I don't see him being relevant in 2014."

Tags: NFL, Insider

[h=3]What Carolina needs at receiver [/h] August, 16, 2014 Aug 16

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By Joe Kaiser | ESPN.com

It's no secret that Carolina's receiving corps isn't as talented as it has been in the past, but some pieces are in place that should give the Panthers a clear understanding of what type of receiver(s) they need to add in the future.

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Here is David Newton of ESPN's NFL Nation to explain in further detail.

[h=5]David Newton[/h] Carolina needs to add a speed guy

"They're off to a solid start with 2014 first-round pick

Kelvin Benjamin

. From what I've seen in training camp and his first preseason touchdown, he is going to be special. As the Panthers said when they drafted him, you can't coach 6-5, 240. Free-agent acquisitions

Jerricho Cotchery

and

Jason Avant

are 31, so they're stopgaps as the Nos. 2 and 3 receivers. But they're good stopgaps, particularly surrounded by Benjamin with tight ends

Greg Olsen

and

Ed Dickson

. What Carolina needs is a speed guy, somebody to stretch the field and run those quick underneath routes. They were hoping

Tiquan Underwood

would fill that role. He hasn't been consistent enough. Undrafted rookie wideout

Philly Brown

has shown potential, but he's a year or two away from being dependable. That guy could be a target for next year's draft or free agency."

Tags: NFL, Insider

[h=3]Who'll be Colts' second starting safety? [/h] August, 16, 2014 Aug 16

2:06

PM ET

By Joe Kaiser | ESPN.com

The Indianapolis Colts know who one of their starting safeties will be, but the other spot remains up for grabs.

Here's the latest on the competition for the safety spot next to LaRon Landry.

Colts reporter Mike Wells of NFL Nation was asked about this in his latest mailbag, and broke down the three players with a shot at the second starting safety job.

[h=5]Mike Wells[/h] Expect the Colts to take their time before naming the starter

"Everybody knows LaRon Landry will start at one of the spots back there, but the other one is wide open.

Delano Howell

, who is at the top of the depth chart, has been dealing with a neck injury.

Mike Adams

is still getting familiar with the system. And there's also

Sergio Brown

. I wouldn't be surprised if coach Chuck Pagano doesn't name a starter until right before the Week 1 game against the

Denver Broncos

."

Tags: NFL, Mike Adams, Insider, Delano Howell, Sergio Brown

August 19, 2014

[h=3]Expectations for rookie Martavis Bryant [/h] August, 19, 2014 Aug 19

11:48

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Martavis Bryant in the fourth round, they surely had visions of developing his combination of size (6-foot-4, 220-pound) and speed (4.42 40) into a legitimate deep threat.

However, he's gotten off to an inauspicious start to his first NFL preseason, muffing a punt, dropping a pass and fumbling the ball against the New York Giants Saturday, while working with the Steelers' third and fourth strings.

Bryant knows he has much upon which to improve if he is going to make a mark as a rookie.

â€œI did all right,â€ said Bryant, per Steelers.com. â€œI just have to continue to work and get better. I have a lot of work to do. I just have to work and stay focused. I have to get a little more in the playbook and the details. Once you know everything you play faster.â€

The most likely spot for Bryant to make a mark this season will be putting his size and 39-inch vertical to use in the red zone. Anything beyond that would be gravy for the Steelers.

Long term, QB Ben Roethlisberger hopes that Bryant matures into the second coming of Plaxico Burress on the field:

[h=5]Scott Brown[/h] Big Ben challenges rookie wideout

"Bryant has all of the physical ability to succeed at this level, and the fourth-round draft pick could give the Steelersâ€™ offense something it has rarely had with Roethlisberger at the controls of it: a tall wideout who can really run. The 6-foot-4, 211-pounder consistently made plays in training camp, and in two preseason games Bryant has three catches for 37 yards while also drawing a pass interference penalty that resulted in a long gain. But Bryant has lost a fumble and nearly committed another turnover by dropping a punt. ... [big Ben] has long wanted a tall wide receiver to throw deep to as well as target when the Steelers are inside an opponent's 20-yard line. Roethlisberger hasnâ€™t had a rangy and speedy wide receiver since 2004, the one season he threw to Plaxico Burress before the latter signed with the New York Giants as an unrestricted free agent. 'What [bryant] can bring is kind of what Plax did, a big body down the field, guys have to respect that speed,' Roethlisberger said. 'I think if he can get to Plaxâ€™s level weâ€™ll be happy with that.' Roethlisberger said Bryant is nowhere close to that yet, which is why he is pushing the Clemson product and not coddling him."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will Bears have RT Mills for opener? [/h] August, 19, 2014 Aug 19

10:54

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

Recovering from a January surgery which repaired a fractured metatarsal in his foot, Chicago Bears RT Jordan Mills has not taken part in any preseason action. He tweaked his foot a couple of weeks ago and has been wearing a protective boot, but he shed that on Monday.

â€œMy foot is doing great,â€ he said, per the Sun-Times. â€œIâ€™m taking it day by day. I should be back soon, hopefully next week.â€

Of course, if Mills doesn't get back into the mix until next week, he would have, at most, one preseason game to test his foot before the regular season kicks off.

At this point, his availability for Week 1 remains entirely in doubt:

[h=5]Michael C. Wright[/h] Bears hold out six from practice

"Bears coach Marc Trestman called Mills ... day-to-day. But Mills hasnâ€™t yet played in a preseason outing, and thereâ€™s growing concern that his regular-season availability could be in jeopardy. The team has taken a conservative approach in bringing along Mills, who in January underwent surgery on a fractured metatarsal in his left foot. ... 'Day-to-day, thatâ€™s it,' coach Marc Trestman said of Mills. 'Itâ€™s really day-to-day. I canâ€™t give you anything more than that. Weâ€™re hopeful itâ€™s soon [he returns], but thatâ€™s all Iâ€™ve heard at this point and time and thatâ€™s the way weâ€™ve looked at it: just day-to-day.' Asked if Millsâ€™ regular-season availability could be in jeopardy, Trestman said, 'Iâ€™m hopeful that itâ€™s not. Iâ€™m not trying to get you to insinuate anything. Iâ€™m just hopeful itâ€™s not.'"

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

.

[h=3]Latest buzz on D.J. Hayden's foot [/h] August, 19, 2014 Aug 19

10:03

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

The Oakland Raiders have been working without second-year cornerback D.J. Hayden throughout training camp as he works his way back from foot surgery. The 12th overall pick last season, Hayden was able to do some stuff on the field during Monday's workout, but it sounds like he still has a long way to go in his rehab.

Per ESPN San Francisco 49ers reporter Bill Williamson, Hayden "did extensive running on Monday. There is no timeline or his return."

Williamson also noted that, "More than ever, DJ Hayden appears headed to the regular season PUP list."

If the Raiders do end up rolling into regular season sans Hayden, how will they make up for his absence?

"With Hayden out, [Tarell Brown] and Carlos Rogers have taken the majority of reps at cornerback. Rogers slides inside to play the slot on third downs," wrote Michael Wagaman of the Sacramento Bee.

"Seventh-round draft pick TJ Carrie, buried on the depth chart when camp began, took reps with the first-team defense Sunday while Hayden and [Taiwan Jones] watched from the sidelines.

"Carrie intercepted a Matt Schaub pass that was tipped by Woodson during a team scrimmage. Carrie later made a nice play to take away Schaub's primary read â€” an inside slant pattern by wide receiver Denarius Moore."

Hayden missed half of last season due to injuries. If he remains on the PUP list when the 2013 regular season gets underway, he will be forced to skip at least the first six games of the season.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Fleshing out Rams WR corps [/h] August, 19, 2014 Aug 19

9:04

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

The St. Louis Rams WR corps is a work in progress. Kenny Britt and Brian Quick have shot up the depth chart, Chris Givens has dropped down the chart, Tavon Austin had a quiet camp, and Stedman Bailey will miss the first four regular-season games due to a suspension.

{C}

We all know the risk and potential that Britt has, but what about Quick? He was the first pick of the second round in 2012, but he did next to nothing in either of his two NFL campaigns (29 career catches). However, he had a terrific camp, and his 41-yard TD in last weekend's preseason game turned some heads.

WRs coach Ray Sherman has been impressed with Quick.

â€œHe wants to make sure that he does everything the right way,â€ Sherman said, per the St. Louis Rams. â€œIâ€™m talking about depth of routes. Iâ€™m talking about landmarks. Iâ€™m talking about your motions. Heâ€™s really taken it to another level, and thatâ€™s what Iâ€™m excited about.â€

With Bailey out for the start of the season, Quick will have a chance to put a firm grip on a starting job opposite Britt. In the meantime, Givens will have to step his game up if he wants to play a significant role this season:

[h=5]Nick Wagoner[/h] Three Rams who didn't help themselves

"Once thought to be the one receiver on the roster who would play and play a lot this year, Givens has been surpassed by Kenny Britt, Brian Quick, Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin. He's playing in the preseason with the second-and third-team offenses and isn't doing much to stand out when he does play. Against the Saints, Givens was targeted twice and was unable to come up with a catch for the second week in a row. He had a chance to make a play on one jump ball against a defender but couldn't come down with it. Givens isn't getting many opportunities, and when they come, they're with backup quarterbacks. That's going to make it tough for him to move up the depth chart."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Shady's toe a reason to be concerned? [/h] August, 19, 2014 Aug 19

7:57

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

On average, LeSean McCoy is the second player off the board in ESPN fantasy football leagues this year. Considering that he's stepping into his prime at 26 and racked up huge numbers in Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly's offense last year, that's no surprise. The only real risk is his health. He missed four games in 2012 and touched the rock 366 times in 2013.

{C}

So the fact that he missed a practice Sunday with a toe injury is worth noting, even though he was back in the mix on Monday.

McCoy downplayed the malady, calling it "a small version of turf toe" and saying it isn't "severe or serious," but he admitted that "it was really, really hurting pretty bad," per CSNPhilly.com.

McCoy added that, â€œIt felt a little better [Monday], so I went for it.â€

Since he missed only one practice, it truly doesn't appear to be serious. On the other hand, turf toe is the kind of injury that can sap a player's speed, power and agility. It's also the kind of injury that can linger for months.

If this is the last we hear about Shady's toe, fantasy owners shouldn't hesitate to draft him at or near the top of your drafts. However, if this is something that ends up lingering into their third preseason game, it should give you pause for thought.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Weight loss a plus for TE Rudolph? [/h] August, 18, 2014 Aug 18

3:57

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

Already a talented pass-catcher, Kyle Rudolph got a significant bump in statistical potential during the offseason when TE-whisperer Norv Turner joined the Minnesota Vikings as their offensive coordinator.

{C}

It appears he also has benefited from dropping about 10 pounds during the offseason.

"I have noticed I feel a lot lighter on my feet," said Rudolph, per the Pioneer Press. "I feel much better running and I think it shows up on tape."

Rudolph's likely Week 1 starting quarterback, Matt Cassel, has also noticed a difference.

"I have (noticed Rudolph's weight loss) especially in terms of his speed and quickness," Cassel said. "He looks great running around, and he's looked great all camp, and that's starting to carry over on the field on game days."

He's been piling up stats during the preseason, too, as he has five catches for 111 yards and a score in two games. Predictably, the fantasy hype for Rudolph has been expanding rapidly:

[h=5]Eric Karabell[/h] Weekend wrap: Hakeem Nicks gains value

"Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph hauled in a 51-yard touchdown from Matt Cassel on Saturday, which could hike his draft stock even more, if that's possible. He's already top-10 at the position, but with everyone citing the Norv Turner factor as reason to really love Rudolph, watch him become a tad overrated."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will Hoyer hold off Manziel? [/h] August, 18, 2014 Aug 18

2:44

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

The Monday Night Football battle between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins pales in comparison to the intra-squad battle that will take place between incumbent starting QB Brian Hoyer and rookie QB Johnny Manziel.

Neither has flopped or excelled enough to create a significant gap in the competition, so their performances tonight will matter a lot. Who will come out on top for Week 1?

"Before camp started, I predicted Hoyer would hold off Manziel and start Week 1," wrote Nate Urlich of the Akron Beacon Journal. "I still believe he will as long as he doesnâ€™t choke at the finish line with Johnny Football on his heels."

The Browns have a bye in Week 4, so even if Hoyer gets the nod in the opener, he'll have to prove himself worthy of keeping that gig during their first three games. Otherwise, coach Mike Pettine may turn to the rookie.

In the meantime, tonight's battle is wide open for either to make a statement:

[h=5]Pat McManamon[/h] W2W4: Cleveland Browns

"The Browns need someone to step forward in the most-discussed race since Bush-Gore hit the Supreme Court. Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel have had moments, but neither has leaned off the horse to grab the brass ring. As a result, the Browns are splitting time in Game 2 between the two, with the hopes that one of them steps forward. If they donâ€™t -- and coach Mike Pettine said he will do his best to ensure each ends up with equal playing time -- the Browns have to decide whom the tie favors. Hoyer has the edge of being around the league for a few years and Manziel has youthful exuberance and the ability to make something happen with his feet. A decision is expected to be announced by Wednesday at the latest."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Eric Fisher a growing concern as LT? [/h] August, 18, 2014 Aug 18

1:15

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

Things didn't work out for Eric Fisher last season. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft was the Kansas City Chiefs' starting right tackle, but Pro Football Focus graded him out as the 143rd-best tackle in the NFL.

{C}

This offseason, they moved him to the left side in the hope that he will settle in as their long-term quarterback protector. Unfortunately, he gave up a sack in their preseason opener and got roughed up by the Carolina Panthers this weekend.

So, is it time for the Chiefs to worry about Fisher?

"Perhaps. To the naked eye, he didnâ€™t play well. He gave up a quarterback hit, whiffed on a cut block on a running play and was also whistled for holding," wrote Terez A. Paylor of the KC Star. "But left guard Jeff Allen also gave up a sack, and Knile Davis whiffed on a block up the middle that resulted in a sack.

"Itâ€™s the preseason, so these games really mean nothing, but the offensive line has been an area of concern since camp began, so their progress from now until the regular season bears monitoring."

Even entering training camp, there were concerns about the Chiefs O-line, and ESPN Chiefs reporter Adam Teicher thinks the Chiefs have little choice but to tough it out with Fisher:

[h=5]Matt Williamson[/h] Ranking NFL's best, worst O-lines

"No. 30: There is a lot of shuffling going on here, which is rarely a good thing for an offensive line. Gone are

Branden Albert

,

Jon Asamoah

and

Geoff Schwartz

. They'll be replaced by ... no one of high regard. Eric Fisher, last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, struggled a great deal at right tackle during his rookie year and will move to his more natural left tackle spot. But he is coming off hernia surgery and has a long way to go before he can even be considered an average NFL tackle (which is exactly what RT

Donald Stephenson

is).

Rodney Hudson

will be at center and Jeff Allen will be at left guard, but both are average performers. Right guard is a huge question mark. Making matters worse, the depth here is almost nonexistent.

Jamaal Charles

is going to have to make a lot of yardage on his own."

[h=5]Adam Teicher[/h] Chiefs have to stick by Eric Fisher

"Fisher's transformation into a solid left tackle is evidently going to take some time, if it ever happens. Still the Chiefs have little choice but to work with the No. 1 overall pick from the 2013 draft and hope for the best. The Chiefs have too much invested in Fisher to give up on him now. ... Even if the Chiefs wanted to replace Fisher, their options are limited. They're having trouble identifying on their roster a third tackle, much less one they're comfortable with in the starting lineup. High-quality tackles aren't available through free agency or trade at this time of year. They could have Fisher and right tackle Donald Stephenson switch positions, but things aren't to that point yet. They could be headed that way. The Chiefs are going through some painful growing pains with Fisher and they have little choice but to suffer through them."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Sankey: reasons for pessimism? [/h] August, 18, 2014 Aug 18

11:59

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

Drafting a rookie running back for your fantasy team can make for a huge payoff -- a la Eddie Lacy last season -- but most fail to live up to high expectations, which means there is inherent risk in investing an early draft pick on one.

There has been a lot of love in Fantasyland for Tennessee Titans rookie RB Bishop Sankey (current ADP of 80), but what should we really expect from him in Year 1? In order to make a splash, he will have to unseat veteran Shonn Greene to earn a significant workload. That will be a tough thing to do if he keeps fumbling the ball.

"While I still envision the rookie playing a bigger role this season than Shonn Greene or Dexter McCluster, I can't help but wonder whether his continued fumbling issues will cost him," wrote Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean.

"Sankey looked good overall against the Saints, but he dropped the ball for the second week in a row and has had exchange issues with quarterbacks in practice."

ESPN Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky isn't too worried about the fumbles at this time.

"The fumbling is a problem. Ken Whisenhunt said it's one of a number of things a rookie running back needs to sort through," Kuharsky wrote. "I think Sankey is a guy who will learn from and resolve mistakes quickly. I liked the way he answered questions about a pass-protection flub in his first game and improved in that area in his second chance."

If Greene's troublesome knee -- two surgeries the past year, tweaked it on Friday -- forces him to miss game action or into a limited role during the season, the door could be forced open for Sankey. Still, the fumbles and Greene's presence should give fantasy owners pause for thought prior to drafting the rookie:

[h=5]Eric Karabell[/h] Stock falling

"I admit to being surprised that the first running back chosen in the 2014 draft, and the one most people presume will be a starter, hasn't been selected better in ADP. And his ADP is actually rising, so you might wonder why I've reversed field and stuck him in this section. Say what you will about veteran Shonn Greene -- and many have said quite a bit on the unflattering side -- but [he was] healthy [heading into the weekend], he scored a touchdown [in their first preseason game], and he figures to start in Week 1 over Sankey. Greene really isn't worth any fantasy owner's intrigue, but if it costs Sankey action, then find another flex."

[h=5]Matt Williamson[/h] Top 100 players for dynasty leagues

"Almost everyone will have Sankey valued higher than [fellow rookie Carlos] Hyde, but to me, you have to look at the big picture and what Hyde is likely to inherit. Hyde is also just the better NFL prospect of the two, in my opinion. Sankey doesn't overwhelm me with his ability. Still, he is in an ideal situation. Production should come easily behind such a talented offensive line. And while Shonn Greene remains in the equation -- one that also now includes Dexter McCluster -- it seems likely that Hyde should get his shot sometime in the not-too-distant future. Sankey just isn't my type of dynasty target -- there's far too much guessing at this point -- especially at the current cost."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will Terrelle Pryor make the cut? [/h] August, 18, 2014 Aug 18

10:26

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

With a versatile, athletic quarterback atop their depth chart in Russell Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks have doubled down on mobile backups. Tarvaris Jackson has spent the past two season as Wilson's top backup, and they rolled the dice on Terrelle Pryor this offseason.

Will Pryor make their Week 1 roster?

"I could be wrong, but it seems like Tarvaris Jackson remains the backup QB and the question is whether they keep three quarterbacks, which would allow them to keep Pryor," wrote Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. "Pryor has undeniably enticing physical gifts, and at 25 years old could still be a developmental type of QB. But is that worth a roster spot for a team attempting to repeat as Super Bowl champs?

"Seattle has mostly gone with two QBs on its active roster the last two years, and Iâ€™d assume theyâ€™ll try to keep B.J. Daniels on the practice squad. This is likely a decision that goes down to the wire."

As ESPN Seahawks reporter Terry Blount notes, Pryor's legs make him intriguing, but the Seahawks may wonder if it's worth investing a roster spot in someone who has such shoddy passing skills:

[h=5]Terry Blount[/h] Seattle Seahawks' projected roster

"Pryor certainly didn't hurt his chances with an impressive 44-yard TD run in the second half of the 41-14 victory over the Chargers Friday night. But the jury still is out on Pryor's passing skills. He was 1-of-4 for 10 yards. Jackson did not play Friday, but it's unimaginable they would release him to keep Pryor and only go with two QBs without Jackson. B.J. Daniels, who also is hoping to earn a spot, played well Friday, scoring a 6-yard run after leading the team on a seven-play, 55-yard drive. But's he's a long shot to make it."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Montee Ball nearing return to action? [/h] August, 18, 2014 Aug 18

9:23

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

It's been about two weeks since Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball underwent an appendectomy, and it appears that he is nearing a return to practice.

"Montee Ball will visit his doctor Monday in the hope he will be cleared to practice this week," wrote Mike Klis of the Denver Post.

"... Even if Ball does receive his doctor's clearance, the Broncos' medical team may not allow him to take contact during practices Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in preparation to play Houston. ..."

The Broncos play the Houston Texans in their third preseason tilt. It may be a dress rehearsal for the regular season, but Ball isn't sure if he will take part in the game.

"But I am hoping so," he said. "I'm tired of sitting around."

Assuming that Ball is 100 percent when the season begins, he will be in position to be a fantasy monster this year and beyond:

[h=5]Mike Clay[/h] Rising fantasy football stars

"Selected in the second round of the 2013 draft, Ball entered his rookie season in position to compete for Denver's lead back gig. He ended up settling in behind

Knowshon Moreno

and, at least for a few weeks,

Ronnie Hillman

. As the season progressed, Hillman faded away and Ball took on a larger role. Denver's record-setting offense allowed them to give Ball long looks in the second half of blowouts. The rookie responded with a healthy 4.4 yards-per-carry on 148 carries. With Moreno now in Miami, Ball is in position to take over as the feature back in Denver's high-scoring attack. He's worth a look at the Round 1-2 turn."

[h=5]Matt Williamson[/h] Top 100 players for dynasty leagues

"No. 12: Ball is in a similar situation to

Le'Veon Bell

..., given that he should receive a boost in touches in his second season. I think Bell is the superior talent as a runner -- he's clearly a better receiver -- but you can't ask for a better situation than the one in which Ball currently finds himself with the Broncos. Ball should have a monster 2014 campaign. However, it might be wise to entertain trade offers for him as the season goes on, particularly after a big game when his value is at its highest; once Manning moves on and the defensive attention begins to focus on Ball, his production could fall off significantly."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will Shorts be ready for Week 1? [/h] August, 18, 2014 Aug 18

8:17

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

After three seasons in the NFL, all we know for sure about Cecil Shorts is that he can be a playmaker and he can't seem to stay healthy. To wit, he has posted five 100-yard games the past two seasons, despite playing on an awful Jacksonville Jaguars team, but he has missed 11 games during his three-year NFL tenure.

It has been more of the same from Shorts this offseason, as he missed minicamp with a strained calf before being felled on the first day of training camp by a strained hamstring. He returned to practice on Sunday, and predictably said he is "rusty, rusty, rusty."

He's expected to take part in this week's preseason game, but how about the regular-season opener?

â€œIâ€™ve got some work to do,â€ Shorts said, per Jacksonville.com. â€œItâ€™s different in pads, in a helmet, running around against a defense. As time goes on and I get more reps, everything will be fine. The goal is to be 100 percent by Week 1.â€

â€œAbsolutely, itâ€™s more than enough time,â€ Shorts aded. â€œItâ€™s the perfect amount of time actually. Iâ€™m confident about that.â€

Shorts is entering the final year of his rookie contract and should be in position to rack up more 100-yard games this season on his way to a decent payday next year -- if he can stay out of the infirmary.

ESPN's composite fantasy rankings have Shorts at No. 83 overall. However, since there hasn't been any preseason buzz about Shorts due to his injury, he is presenting quality draft value with an ADP of 105.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

Sharp Square · August 19, 2014

sweeper · August 19, 2014

Bump

August 20, 2014

[h=3]Can Barner flourish under Kelly? [/h] August, 20, 2014 Aug 20

1:32

PM ET

By Joe Kaiser | ESPN.com

There's a reason Philadelphia only had to give up a conditional seventh-round draft pick to acquire Kenjon Barner from Carolina -- the former Oregon standout had shown very little since being taken in the sixth round in 2013.

That being said, there's also a reason why Barner could flourish on the Eagles -- he'll be reunited with his college coach, Chip Kelly. Will Barner be able to rediscover the success he had under Kelly as a member of the Ducks?

{C}

You can bank on Kelly putting Barner in the right positions to get the most out of him, and that alone will give him a chance. But looking at the roster and the loaded depth at running back, one must wonder how long Barner will get to prove that he belongs. The Eagles already have Darren Sproles and promising third-year back Chris Polk playing behind LeSean McCoy, and they also have liked what they've seen out of second-year pro Matthew Tucker.

There's also the question of whether Barner is big enough to handle the position. At 5-foot-9, 195 pounds, he reportedly was overmatched by nearly every linebacker and defensive back he lined up against in blitz pick-up drills during training camp, per Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer.

If Barner is going to stick, it may have to be as a return specialist, though even that seems like a longshot. Barner did return two kickoffs as a rookie on the Panthers last season, but didn't return a single punt or kickoff as a college senior and had only 10 returns as a junior.

The more you look at this, the more it seems Kelly will have to work his magic to find a way Barner can help the Eagles in 2014.

Tags: NFL, Kenjon Barner, Insider

[h=3]Stephen Hill losing No. 2 receiver job? [/h] August, 20, 2014 Aug 20

1:02

PM ET

By Joe Kaiser | ESPN.com

After two quiet seasons, this was supposed to be the year that Stephen Hill figured things out and became the receiver the New York Jets expected him to be when they selected him 43rd overall in 2012. But that already is looking like a longshot.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder has hauled in only 45 receptions and four touchdowns thus far in his short NFL career, and Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News writes on Tuesday that he isn't showing signs of better things to come.

"Hill should have seized the No. 2 outside receiver job by now, making it a no-brainer decision for Rex Ryan and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg," Mehta wrote. "He has the pedigree and incentive, but has been ineffective in the Jetsâ€™ first two preseason games. Some wonder whether this will be as good as it gets for the young receiver."

Mehta continued: "Hill needed to remove any doubt early on that he deserves to start opposite of Eric Decker this season. So far, heâ€™s come up small. Hill has one reception for 17 yards on 37 pass routes in the preseason, according to Pro Football Focus. Heâ€™s been targeted only twice (plus one that was negated due to a defensive penalty) despite playing 70 snaps in the first two preseason games, a ridiculous reality that raises the obvious question: Is Hill simply not getting open?"

If Hill doesn't show more in the final two preseason games, expect fifth-year pro David Nelson to move past him in the depth and begin the season as the starter opposite Decker. Mehta calls Nelson the "clear leader in the clubhouse" at this point.

Tags: NFL, David Nelson, Stephen Hill, Insider

[h=3]Big season ahead for Torrey Smith? [/h] August, 20, 2014 Aug 20

12:33

PM ET

By Joe Kaiser | ESPN.com

Torrey Smith hauled in 65 catches for 1,128 yards and four touchdowns last season, but with a quarterback like Joe Flacco and a new offensive coordinator, the feeling around Baltimore is that the former second-round pick is capable of more in 2014.

This is something that should peak the attention of Ravens fans as well as fantasy football owners everywhere. In fantasy terms, Smith tends to be bunched in the group with guys like Percy Harvin, Cordarrelle Patterson and T.Y. Hilton as secondary receiver options who are being drafted in the 50-65 range. Entering Tuesday, Smith's average draft position in ESPN leagues was 64.9.

So what could separate Smith from the other big-play threats?

With Gary Kubiak at offensive coordinator, Smith tells The Baltimore Sun that he anticipates a more versatile role that incorporates his ability to run deep routes as well as short-to-intermediate patterns. That could be huge in and of itself, but when you consider the addition of Steve Smith, that's another factor that should free up Torrey Smith to find open space and have a bigger season.

It's also worth noting what Andre Johnson was able to due in Houston while playing under Kubiak; his 181 targets in 2013 were a career high. Last week, Don Banks of SI.com wrote about the optimism surrounding the offense thanks to Kubiak.

"The hiring of ex-Texans head coach Gary Kubiak as offensive coordinator, replacing the departed Jim Caldwell, has been a godsend for the Ravens," Banks wrote. "The fit between Kubiak and Flacco has been superb, and their rapport easily betters any working relationship Flacco had with past Ravens OCs Cam Cameron or Caldwell. Kubiakâ€™s offense is ideal for the talent on hand in Baltimore, plays to Flaccoâ€™s strengths and the quarterback raves about it being simple to master, but organized and detailed in its approach, with success in the run game setting up the rest of the attack."

August 20, 2014

[h=1]Top 50 NFL breakout players[/h] [h=3]Tannehill, Ansah and Ball among players primed for big jumps this season[/h]

Originally Published: August 20, 2014

By Mike Sando | ESPN Insider

Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesThis was Dwayne Allen's only catch in 2013, and it was a touchdown. Will he break out in 2014?

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The rules for landing on my 2014 NFL Top 50 breakout players list are pretty simple:

â€¢ No rookies, because we don't have much to go on (check out Aaron Schatz's take on 10 potential impact rookies, as identified by Football Outsiders' projections)

â€¢ No players ranked in the #NFLRank Top 100, because those players presumably have broken out to some degree already

â€¢ Older players generally aren't featured, on the theory they are what they are

â€¢ Finally, if a player has already signed a lucrative second contract, he probably isn't a good candidate

Keep those things in mind before peppering me with jabs and overhand rights in the comments section (I'll see you there and assure you that I, too, will come in peace). To be clear, "breakout" is a relative term. Fifty players ranked outside the Top 100 are not suddenly going to break out with All-Pro seasons, but a lot of these guys are in position to make big jumps in 2014. I came up with this list in part based on information gathered during various team camp visits and conversations with sources around the league, and I also enlisted the input of ESPN Insider NFL scout Matt Williamson.

Here are my Top 50 breakout players for the upcoming season:

1. Dwayne Allen, TE, Indianapolis Colts. Allen has already shown ability as a blocker and runner; a season-ending hip injury was what held him back in 2013, and there are apparently no limitations now. Pairing a player as talented as Allen with a quarterback as talented as Andrew Luck makes Allen a safe breakout bet.

2. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Miami Dolphins. Tannehill is not the safest choice for this list, but he's one of my favorites. Catastrophic offensive line problems and broader organizational issues have hurt him recently, but those issues have been resolved favorably for the time being. Bill Lazor's arrival as offensive coordinator from Philadelphia brings restored hope following Nick Foles' breakout season for the Eagles. Tannehill is in much better position to succeed in 2014. He has the talent to capitalize.

3. David DeCastro, G, Pittsburgh Steelers. DeCastro was quite proficient as a run-blocker while playing 15 games last season after a knee injury wiped out his 2012 rookie campaign. He has a shot at ascending among the best guards in the league if he can stay on the field.

4. Montee Ball, RB, Denver Broncos. The Broncos will remain a pass-heavy team, but with Knowshon Moreno out of the picture, Ball is in position to benefit. He'll need to bounce back from an appendectomy that sidelined him for part of the preseason. He's expected to start in Week 1 after playing in 16 games as a backup last season.

5. Johnathan Cyprien, S, Jacksonville Jaguars. Jaguars coach Gus Bradley was around top safeties when he worked with Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor in Seattle. Cyprien finished his 2013 rookie season on an upswing, and should benefit from personnel upgrades to the front seven.

6. Everson Griffen, DE, Minnesota Vikings. I've generally avoided singling out players with enough value already to have commanded lucrative second contracts. Griffen, signed to a deal averaging $8.5 million annually, will be looking to take a big step forward after playing well but not great to this point.

7. Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee Titans. Quarterbacks tend to make the receivers, not the other way around, and that is worth keeping in mind here as it relates to Titans starter Jake Locker. Still, Hunter shouldn't have much trouble outpacing his 18-catch production from last season. Catching four passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns in his most recent preseason game drove home that point effectively.

8. Terron Armstead, T, New Orleans Saints. Armstead took over at left tackle last season, and possesses the natural athleticism to thrive at the position. The Saints expect him to become a top-tier tackle quickly, and for a long time.

9. Le'Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers. Lots of people in the league believe the Steelers are primed for a big season, and Bell figures to play a prominent role in their success after a foot injury slowed him as a rookie in 2013. Look for the goal-line carries to go to LeGarrette Blount, however (consider that an alert to fantasy owners).

10. Andre Ellington, RB, Arizona Cardinals. Ellington has been hyped so much as a potential breakout player that the pendulum has swung back to some degree. The Cardinals love what he offers, and plan to feature him in their offense as both a runner and receiver.

11. Jamie Collins, OLB, New England Patriots. A strong finish to the 2013 season doesn't guarantee anything for Collins, but there's recent precedent in New England for ascending players making significant advances in their second seasons. His coverage skills are well-suited to the current NFL. Expect a big jump in playing time.

12. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, Detroit Lions. Ansah had eight sacks last season, and seemed to hold up well against the run. The bar for a breakout has been set high, in other words, but that is to be expected for the fifth overall choice in the 2013 draft class. A shoulder injury has sidelined Ansah at times this offseason, but he's healthier now and could be on the verge of much bigger things.

13. Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals. Eifert certainly wasn't bad as a rookie, but shouldn't have much trouble breaking out after finishing 2013 with 39 receptions and two touchdowns. The Bengals will be looking to develop their play-action game, which could help create opportunities for Eifert.

AP Photo/Matt RourkeIt won't be surprising to see a lot of highlights with Zach Ertz in the end zone this season.

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14. Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz graded out much better than Eifert in Pro Football Focus grading for 2013, even though their receiving numbers were pretty similar. Some in the league feel as though Foles can be a top-tier quarterback, and if that is the case, Ertz will be among the beneficiaries. The team will need to replace some of the production that left the roster when DeSean Jackson was released, and Ertz may pick up some of that slack.

15. Jimmy Smith, CB, Baltimore Ravens. Smith broke out to some degree last season, but he has the talent to take another big step, provided the chest injury he suffered recently isn't serious. A few more interceptions would help raise Smith's profile; he has four in three seasons (17 starts).

16. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs. Kelce looks like he'll factor prominently in the Chiefs' passing game after missing all but one game last season following microfracture surgery. Kansas City hasn't had enough reliable pass-catchers in recent seasons, so Kelce's development is especially welcome.

17. Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins. Staying healthy appears to be the biggest challenge for Reed, who has been described as a natural route runner. Reed had 45 receptions for 499 yards and three touchdowns in nine games last season, with four starts. He'll have an opportunity to improve all of those numbers this season.

18. Desmond Trufant, CB, Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are hoping Trufant and Robert Alford can give them a tenacious, ascending corner tandem. Trufant picked off only two passes last season, but he ranked seventh in grading by Pro Football Focus, so perhaps the breakout is already underway.

19. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Buffalo Bills. Missing five games to injury held Gilmore back last season. He should benefit from playing behind one of the NFL's best defensive fronts, although personnel losses in the back seven have hurt Gilmore's supporting cast overall.

20. Sam Bradford, QB, St. Louis Rams. The Rams are committed to running the ball, which should take some pressure off of Bradford. He was on pace for about 30 touchdown passes in 2013 before a freak knee injury ended his season after seven games. Whether or not Bradford is the answer in St. Louis, he's in position to break out relative to past performance.

21. Toby Gerhart, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars. Gerhart averaged 7.9 yards per carry on 36 attempts last season, and his workload figures to increase after the Jaguars signed him to a deal averaging $3.5 million annually. Gerhart has never rushed for more than 531 yards in a season, and he has less than that during his past two seasons combined.

22. Travis Frederick, C, Dallas Cowboys. Frederick enjoyed a solid rookie season, and has a chance to take a big step forward if he can become more consistent in pass protection, a reasonable goal during his second campaign. Dallas cannot afford too much pressure up the middle with Tony Romo coming off of back surgery.

23. Kenny Stills, WR, New Orleans Saints. The Saints aren't hurting for weapons, which means Stills will be fighting for touches, particularly with rookie Brandin Cooks flashing star potential already. Subtracting Lance Moore and Darren Sproles (108 combined receptions in 2013) should help in that regard.

24. Datone Jones, DE, Green Bay Packers. Jones has earned playing time in the Packers' base defense, which should give the 2013 first-round choice additional opportunities. He played 242 snaps last season.

25. Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars. Marks has made high-impact plays this preseason. Pro Football Focus credited him with 1 QB hit, 2 hurries, 1 forced fumble and 1 run stop during an 11-snap appearance in the preseason opener.

26. Cameron Heyward, DE, Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have gotten younger on defense, thrusting players such as Heyward into more prominent roles. Heyward graded positively -- and was 19th out of 45 qualifying 3-4 defensive ends -- in Pro Football Focus grading last season. The 2011 first-round pick is 25 years old and should be approaching his prime years.

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Mark Konezny/USA TODAY SportsJason Worilds is on his way to being next in a long line of QB terrorizers for the Steelers.

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27. Jason Worilds, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers. Worilds played to positive reviews last season and finished with a career-high eight sacks. Did he already break out? If you have to ask, the answer might be no. Let's see what 2014 holds for him in a defense with additional speed.

28. Tank Carradine, DE, San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco has stockpiled draft choices and used some of them for injured players expected to contribute down the line. Carradine is one of them. He has had a good training camp in general despite some preseason struggles. Of course, he isn't the only 49ers player to have some shaky moments in the fake games.

29. Walter Thurmond III, CB, New York Giants. Thurmond has already made a name for himself on the Giants, partly due to some of his brash comments. He'll get a chance to back up the talk after leaving a situational role in Seattle for a starting spot on the Giants. Thurmond has only one regular-season interception, in part because injuries limited him severely in his first three seasons.

30. Sio Moore, OLB, Oakland Raiders. Moore collected 4.5 sacks as a rookie, and could face more favorable matchups after the Raiders drafted Khalil Mack and added veterans in free agency. Moore ranked seventh among 4-3 outside linebackers in Pro Football Focus grading last season, and he could climb higher if things break right.

31. EJ Manuel, QB, Buffalo Bills. Manuel flashed ability with relatively strong games against New England, Cleveland, the New York Jets and Jacksonville last season. He missed six games to injury, however, and that suppressed his production. Some evaluators believe he can process well enough from the pocket, which is usually key for long-term success. Adding No. 4 overall pick Sammy Watkins as a target will help.

32. Mike Daniels, DE, Green Bay Packers. If there's a knock on Packers coach Mike McCarthy, it's that the team hasn't played solid defense consistently enough on his watch. Players such as Daniels need to elevate their games for that to change. Check out Ben Fennell's photo collage on a play Daniels made in preseason.

33. Phil Taylor, DT, Cleveland Browns. Taylor has been a pretty good player, but he can be better than that, particularly in a defense that appears to be improving.

34. Chance Warmack, G, Tennessee Titans. I've grouped together some of the younger and more talented linemen, continuing with Warmack. He will be looking for consistency after an up-and-down rookie season. That isn't too much to ask as he transitions into his second season on a line with ample talent around him.

35. J.R. Sweezy, G, Seattle Seahawks. To this point in his career, Sweezy has stood out for being better than expected -- for a converted defensive tackle. Late last season and this preseason, Sweezy has shown signs of becoming more than a project player. He's in position to cement himself as a long-term starter, and a good one.

36. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami Dolphins. Miller topped 700 yards rushing last season, setting the bar relatively high for him to truly achieve breakout status. He remains a player to watch while playing behind an improved line and within a system that facilitated league-leading rushing totals in Philadelphia last season.

37. Bjoern Werner, OLB, Indianapolis Colts. Werner has shown positive signs during preseason after a so-so rookie year. His playing time should increase while Robert Mathis serves a four-game suspension.

38. Luke Joeckel, T, Jacksonville Jaguars. Joeckel is back from the season-ending ankle injury that forced him to miss 11 games last season, after Jacksonville made him the second pick in the 2013 draft. A breakout season for him would qualify as becoming a solid starter over the course of a full season.

39. Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints. Ingram makes the list because he'll have additional opportunities to touch the football and there were times last season when he produced.

40. Kyle Long, G, Chicago Bears. The second-year guard did finish last season as a Pro Bowl replacement, but he ranked 43rd among guards in cumulative Pro Football Focus grading. I'm betting on his bloodline.

41. Ladarius Green, TE, San Diego Chargers. Green should have little trouble beating his 17-catch total from last season. His numbers could spike significantly if anything happens to starter Antonio Gates, who is coming off a 77-catch season despite his advanced age (Gates turned 34 in June).

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Bruce Kluckhohn/USA TODAY SportsAlready a weapon on returns, Cordarrelle Patterson could break out as a wide receiver.

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42. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Minnesota Vikings. The quarterback situation in Minnesota introduces uncertainty into projections for Patterson. Matt Cassel was at his best in the past when Charlie Weis was coaching him with the Chiefs. What can coordinator Norv Turner and quarterbacks coach Scott Turner, Norv's son, do for Cassel? And what if Teddy Bridgewater takes over behind center?

43. Jonathan Cooper, G, Arizona Cardinals. Cooper has struggled this summer after missing his entire rookie season following ankle surgery. He had fluid drained from a knee, but has made strides since then. The Cardinals were quite excited about him on draft day in 2013.

44. Micah Hyde, S, Green Bay Packers. Hyde's versatility adds value in an NFC North featuring talented QB-WR combinations. The second-year pro caught the coaching staff's attention early in camp, and could become a featured player in the secondary.

45. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings. New coordinator Turner likes to feature the tight end, but Rudolph is not Antonio Gates, the tight end Turner featured while with San Diego. The Vikings do not have Philip Rivers, either. (We'll see whether he can replicate what Jordan Cameron did with questionable QB play in Cleveland in 2013).

46. Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis Rams. The eighth overall choice in the 2013 draft certainly should be a breakout candidate after a mostly quiet rookie season, and Austin already broke out on special teams to some degree. The Rams will work to get the ball into his hands on offense as well.

47. Malcolm Smith, LB, Seattle Seahawks. Smith arguably broke out in the playoffs last season, including when he earned Super Bowl MVP honors. His playing time should increase this season, however, and he'll have additional opportunities to produce week to week.

48. Janoris Jenkins, CB, St. Louis Rams. Jenkins hasn't been as consistent as hoped to this point in his career. Gregg Williams' arrival as defensive coordinator should help the secondary in general, and Jenkins specifically. Williams knows how to challenge players. Will Jenkins respond?

49. Rueben Randle, WR, New York Giants. Randle has 60 receptions for 909 yards and nine touchdowns combined during his first two seasons. That sounds like a realistic projection for him in 2014.

50. Dee Milliner, CB, New York Jets. Milliner is battling a high-ankle sprain and is sidelined at the moment, a big reason why he isn't ranked higher on this list. The Jets are hurting at the position, and they need Milliner to improve. He can, but first he needs to get on the field.

Sharp Square · August 20, 2014

:hat Always great reads.

August 21, 2014

[h=3]Is there a cap on Gerhart's upside? [/h] August, 21, 2014 Aug 21

2:44

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to lean on Toby Gerhart as their lead back this season. He touched the pill only 353 times in four seasons as Adrian Peterson's backup with the Minnesota Vikings, but his career 4.7 YPC makes him an intriguing breakout candidate in Fantasyland.

The lead role is all his, but what's the latest buzz on his expected weekly workload?

"The Jaguars are committed to running the ball with Gerhart (6-0, 231 pounds), who has the frame to hold up," wrote Hays Carlyon of the Times-Union. "He's in position to get roughly 17-20 touches a game, because he's a good bet for 15 carries and a couple of receptions every week.

"He's been impressive catching the ball in camp. None of his backups (led by Jordan Todman) are a threat to beat him out."

Gerhart averaged 7.8 yards per his 77 catches with the Vikes.

Despite a featured role, no competition for touches and promising metrics, Gerhart's statistical output may well be capped by a shaky Jags offensive and O-line:

[h=5]Gordon McGuinness[/h] Ranking all 32 NFL offenses

"No. 32: The Jaguars' offense could wind up looking much better than this once this season begins, but right now they are a team of potential and question marks.

Luke Joeckel

starts his second season at left tackle after allowing 15 total pressures from just 179 passing plays before injury cut his rookie season short, while rookie receivers

Marqise Lee

and

Allen Robinson

find themselves in a spot where they should see plenty of early opportunities with little beyond

Cecil Shorts III

at wide receiver. Teams are always under pressure to play first-round rookie quarterbacks, and the pressure for the Jaguars to start No. 3 overall pick

Blake Bortles

will only mount if

Chad Henne

struggles again early in the year."

[h=5]Matt Williamson[/h] Ranking NFL's best, worst O-lines

"No. 31: With the exception of 2013 second overall pick Luke Joeckel, this is an offensive line that is flat-out short on talent ... and Joeckel now has wires and a plate in the ankle that he injured during his rookie year. While miscast at right tackle to start his career, Joeckel was less-than-impressive last year before his injury. Moving him back to the left side should help.

Austin Pasztor

did play pretty well at right tackle when Joeckel went down, but the interior of this line is poor. That could be problematic for an interior runner like Toby Gerhart and a slow-footed pocket passer like Chad Henne. Gerhart could have good numbers due to volume, but don't invest much in Jacksonville's passing game."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Latest buzz on Montee Ball [/h] August, 21, 2014 Aug 21

1:31

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

We haven't seen Montee Ball during the preseason, since he has been working his way back from an appendectomy. He took part in some limited practices the past couple of days, and though he isn't likely to play at all this preseason, the consensus is that he should be ready for Week 1.

It's possible that Ball could be eased in somewhat slowly when the regular season gets underway, but he is due for a heavy workload during the course of the 2014 season.

"This year, the Broncos have big plans for Ball, so much so he might be the first Broncos back to top 250 carries in a season for the team since Reuben Droughns lugged it 275 times in 2004," wrote ESPN Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold.

Ball has become a fantasy darling (ADP: 26th) due to his potential as the lead back in the Broncos' potent offense. However, drafting him early won't come without risks. And if you do draft him, his handcuff may not be who you initially expected:

[h=5]Ken Daube[/h] Updated busts

"One of the most dangerous ways to project a player's value is to assume a job is completely owned by someone without ever seeing that be the case. There are two major factors working against Ball that people aren't accounting for: John Fox's propensity to use a running-back-by-committee approach and, more important in my opinion, that Ball isn't as good in pass protection as

Ronnie Hillman

or

C.J. Anderson

. Before you think that you shouldn't worry about Hillman or Anderson stealing Ball's projected workload, remember how you felt about

Knowshon Moreno

last year."

[h=5]Eric Karabell[/h] Team-by-team running back outlook

" Montee Ball will be awesome. If not, for health, performance or blocking reasons, I still view it as doubtful Ronnie Hillman turns into a 20-touch guy per game. I do think if anyone becomes the next Knowshon Moreno, coming out of nowhere for this franchise, it's not Hillman or C.J. Anderson, but

Juwan Thompson

."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Is Burleson on Browns' roster bubble? [/h] August, 21, 2014 Aug 21

12:19

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

If things break right for Josh Gordon and the Cleveland Browns, his impending year-long suspension will be overturned. In that case, he will line up across from Miles Austin and Andrew Hawkins will work the slot. If Gordon ends up missing much or all of the season, the rest of the Browns WR corps will need to step up.

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Aside from veteran Nate Burleson, it's mostly a no-name bunch behind the top three, and in the eyes of ESPNCleveland.com's Tony Grossi, their roster spots and roles remain "up in the air."

"Currently, Taylor Gabriel, the 5-8, 167-pound pride of Abilene Christian, is the leading receiver in preseason with six catches for 67 yards," Grossi noted.

"Charles Johnson and Willie Snead have had their moments. Anthony Armstrong had his in June. Travis Benjamin is a No. 4 or No. 5.

"And the big question is whether Nate Burleson will make the team. I canâ€™t remember the last time Burleson (hamstring) was in full uniform and running routes."

A healthy Burleson likely would be the presumptive third WR option if Gordon isn't on the field in Week 1, but his bum hammy has kept him off the field for a couple of weeks. So long as the Browns like Burleson's veteran presence in the locker room, he likely will stick. However, if he can't get right physically and a better option appears when NFL roster cuts begin, the Browns could go in a different direction.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]WR Hunter 'unstoppable' end-zone threat? [/h] August, 21, 2014 Aug 21

11:14

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The Tennessee Titans may have had a little fun by dubbing second-year wideout Justin Hunter "Just Another Guy" during training camp, but he clearly isn't just another guy when it comes to his upside as a pro. During last week's preseason tilt, he pulled in four passes for 111 yards and 2 TDs.

He truly has the potential to be a lethal threat in the red zone. The Tennessean's John Glennon said that Hunter, who is 6-foot-4 with a 39.5-inch vertical, has been "all but unstoppable so far" on end-zone fades. QB Jake Locker agrees.

"He's so big and so long, and he has the ability to jump, and he has such a big catch radius," Locker said. "You're able to put the ball a lot of places to give him a chance. That puts a lot of pressure on the defense at that point."

Per ESPN Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky, Titans CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson, who has battled Hunter in practice, said that, "You can definitely see where heâ€™s turned something on. Something has clicked for him."

WR Kendall Wright is going to be a target hog, helping move the chains for the Titans, but at just 5-foot-10, he doesn't pose the same red-zone threat that Hunter does. That TD potential makes Hunter a viable breakout candidate this season in Fantasyland and a terrific long-term investment for those in dynasty leagues:

[h=5]Mike Sando[/h] Top 50 NFL breakout players

"No. 7: Quarterbacks tend to make the receivers, not the other way around, and that is worth keeping in mind here as it relates to Titans starter Jake Locker. Still, Hunter shouldn't have much trouble outpacing his 18-catch production from last season. Catching four passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns in his most recent preseason game drove home that point effectively."

[h=5]Matt Williamson[/h] Top 100 players for dynasty leagues

"No. 44: While Ken Whisenhunt was very run-heavy with the Chargers last year, his history shows that he prefers to air it out and utilize a lot of three- and four-WR sets. Hunter has an

A.J. Green

body type and rare ability for someone with such dimensions. He could stand to get stronger and more reliable but will nevertheless be very difficult to defend near the goal line and deep downfield. Hunter averaged 19.7 yards per catch as a rookie and has reportedly added muscle this offseason. Many are down on Jake Locker, but I think Locker is a very good quarterback for Hunter, as he has a huge arm and can extend plays. Hunter might be much higher up this list a year from now. I want him on every one of my dynasty teams."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]How will Lovie use rookie TE ASJ? [/h] August, 21, 2014 Aug 21

10:13

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Among the myriad changes we've seen this preseason from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under the direction of new coach Lovie Smith is a renewed focus on their tight ends -- a group that was boosted by the offseason additions of veteran Brandon Myers and rookie Austin Seferian-Jenkins.

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"A year ago, with injuries putting all but one tight end (rookie Tim Wright) on injured reserve, the Bucs rarely went with two tight ends, lining up that way on less than 10 percent of their offensive snaps, according to FootballOutsiders.com," wrote Greg Auman of the Tampa Times.

"[T]he Bucs have shown off their two-TE look [this] preseason -- on 32 percent of their snaps in two preseason games, well above the NFL's overall average of 21 percent. The versatility of the personnel group -- tight ends can act as run-blockers or pass-catchers from the same look -- suits the Bucs' offensive talent well."

Typically, if a team deploys a pair of tight ends, they don't use a third wide receiver. And since the Bucs WR corps is shaky after Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans, it makes sense to lean on more talented pass-catchers/blockers in Myers and Seferian-Jenkins as the third option.

While that sounds promising for the talented ASJ, in particular, there still may not be much fantasy upside for the rookie. When Smith was with the Chicago Bears, he leaned heavily on the run and rarely on his tight ends. TE Greg Olsen's best season with the Bears was 2009, when he reeled in 60 passes for 612 yards and 8 TDs. He saw 108 targets that season, 26 more than any other campaign he had with the Bears.

With V-Jax and Evans atop the pass-catching pecking order and Myers in the mix at tight end, Seferian-Jenkins isn't going to see triple-digit targets this year. Without that sort of volume, his best shot at chipping in stats for fantasy teams will be putting his 6-foot-5, 262-pound body to work as a red-zone threat.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]How will Colts divvy up targets? [/h] August, 21, 2014 Aug 21

9:05

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Last season, T.Y. Hilton led the way in targets for the Indianapolis Colts with 138 (17th in the NFL). TE Coby Fleener was next with 88 targets, then Darrius Heyward-Bey with 62 and Reggie Wayne (who missed 9 games) with 58. Since then, the Colts added Hakeem Nicks and got Wayne and TE Dwayne Allen back from their respective injuries.

With more depth, how will offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton spread the ball around? Will Hilton or Wayne lead the way as a true No. 1 workhorse?

"People get caught up in that," general manager Ryan Grigson said, per the Indianapolis Star. "I think sometimes maybe in personnel rooms, it cuts through some of the gray area when you label them one, two, three, four, five, six. ... To me, you are going to put your best players out there, regardless of what number they are in the ranking.

"It's week-to-week. It's all how they match up."

In other words, the Colts will aim to exploit weekly matchup advantages they see.

"I think that's one of the benefits of having a system in place that's multiple and diverse and we can build it so that we can find ways to get the ball to our playmakers," Hamilton said. "And our quarterback (Andrew Luck) has done a good job of doing just that over time."

With so many receiving options, no one pass-catcher is going to dominate the Colts' targets like a true No. 1. On the other hand, with defenses having to pay attention to so many weapons, it should allow those who catch balls to make big plays.

Last season, Hilton had 13 plays of at least 20 yards, Wayne had eight in seven games, and Fleener had seven. Look for Hilton and Wayne to continue making big plays this season and for Allen to take a big step forward, too:

[h=5]Mike Sando[/h] Top 50 NFL breakout players

"No. 1: Allen has already shown ability as a blocker and runner; a season-ending hip injury was what held him back in 2013, and there are apparently no limitations now. Pairing a player as talented as Allen with a quarterback as talented as Andrew Luck makes Allen a safe breakout bet."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Is Andre Johnson's health a concern? [/h] August, 21, 2014 Aug 21

8:02

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

After holding out all offseason, Andre Johnson reported to training camp in late July and was quickly felled by a hamstring injury. That's quite an inauspicious start to the preseason for a 33-year-old receiver.

He ended up missing a couple of weeks worth of practices, but he was back in the mix a week ago and reportedly has looked terrific.

"Texans receiver Andre Johnson showed no signs of rust from his time away from the team this offseason," wrote CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora.

"He was showing up all over the field [Wednesday], making one incredible catch in the back of the end zone, staying in bounds and holding on to the ball in a red zone drill."

Johnson held out because he wasn't happy with the direction of the franchise, and part of that surely was the questions at quarterback, where noodle-armed Ryan Fitzpatrick is at the helm. Still, Johnson managed to rack up 109 catches for 1,407 yards and 5 TDs last season, despite having struggling quarterbacks (Matt Schaub, Case Keenum) throwing the ball his way all year.

The bigger concern should be his durability. To his credit, Johnson hasn't missed a game the past two seasons. However, he combined to miss a dozen games during the 2010-11 seasons. A 33-year-old receiver with 154 games under his belt, who missed the offseason and battled a two-week hamstring injury in camp is inherently a risky proposition in Fantasyland -- especially with a current ADP of No. 33 overall.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

Mike75 · August 22, 2014

Thanks for the NFL Insider info Boat

August 22, 2014

You are very welcome!

======================== [h=3]Rookie RB Hill ready for 1st-team work? [/h] August, 22, 2014 Aug 22

11:27

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

During the first two Cincinnati Bengals preseason games, Giovani Bernard led the way for their backfield, followed by veteran BenJarvus Green-Ellis and then rookie Jeremy Hill.

Hill has yet to take a carry with the Bengals' first team, but offensive coordinator Hue Jackson said the rookie may get some first-string touches this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Cincinnati.com.

"He's worthy of playing with those guys," Jackson said.

Jackson added that he doesn't see first-team preseason reps as a prerequisite for playing with the first unit during the regular season.

"As long as he's doing what he needs to do I'm fine," Jackson said. "I think that's a little overrated (that he has to get reps with the first team to be in sync) â€“ runners run."

Odds are good that Hill quickly will unseat Law Firm as the power complement to Bernard's lead role. Time will tell how much Hill may eat into Bernard's touches as the regulars season progresses, but Bernard clearly is on top right now -- he has been on the field for every single first-team preseason snap thus far. He enters the 2014 campaign poised to fully breakout:

[h=5]Tim Kavanagh[/h] Updated breakouts

"Bernard displayed feature back capabilities in his rookie season -- in the mold of

LeSean McCoy

or

Jamaal Charles

as opposed to an old-school grinder -- and should get more touches this season, despite the presence of second-round pick Jeremy Hill. Bernard had 149 points on 226 touches last season, and eclipsing 200 points is not out of the question with an increased workload in 2014."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Might Manziel play alongside Hoyer? [/h] August, 22, 2014 Aug 22

10:21

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

So, Brian Hoyer will be under center this weekend for the Cleveland Browns' third preseason tilt and Week 1 of the regular season. The general expectation is that Hoyer will get a three-week test run leading up to their Week 4 bye, at which point things may be reassessed, and Johnny Manziel could get a shot at displacing the veteran for Week 5.

Could we see Manziel on the field this season, even if Hoyer puts a firm grip on the starting job?

Coach Mike Pettine told Ross Tucker Friday morning on SiriusXM NFL Radio that a â€œManziel packageâ€ is â€œon the table.â€

Pettine added that, â€œWe could potentially look at a two-quarterback system down the road."

Inserting Manziel as an occasional wildcard could give the Browns a bump on offense, Manziel some added experience and force opposing defenses to spend time prepping for Manziel's legs. On the other hand, time will tell how far "down the road" such a move might take place.

After all, following Pettine's announcement that Hoyer was his starter, the coach said that, "The season is so long. So much can happen, and we don't want ... Brian looking over his shoulder thinking, 'Hey, I make one bad throw and I'm out.'"

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

.

[h=3]Packers TE Bostick sidelined into Oct? [/h] August, 22, 2014 Aug 22

9:20

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The Green Bay Packers still have to figure out how to plug the hole they have at tight end, as they move on from the injured Jermichael Finley -- and it appears that they will begin the season sans one of their top pass-catching options at the position.

"Sources said [Brandon Bostick] suffered a slight fracture of the fibula in his right leg catching a pass Saturday in St. Louis," wrote Bob McGinn and Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

"According to sources, the best-case scenario for the Packers would be to have him on the field for the second or third games. One source, however, said the injury could sideline Bostick into October."

Bostick appeared to be in position to take on the primary pass-catching TE role. Now those move-TE duties likely will fall on the shoulders of rookie Richard Rodgers, with Andrew Quarless working primarily as a blocker.

As for Finley, it looks like even with Bostick's extended absence, the Pack won't turn to the free agent for help.

"Jermichael Finley remains a free agent, but a source familiar with the Packers' thinking has said it's unlikely the team would consider re-signing him following fusion surgery Nov. 14," McGinn and Dunne added.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will finances impact 49ers WR corps? [/h] August, 22, 2014 Aug 22

8:29

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The San Francisco 49ers may have the deepest group of wide receivers in the NFL, which could put a veteran or two on the roster bubble, in part due to finances. Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin top the depth chart, while Stevie Johnson and Brandon Lloyd are battling it out for the No. 3 job.

Johnson and Lloyd were offseason additions and their salaries could play a role in whether they stick with the team for Week 1.

"Johnson is the front-runner to win the No. 3 job. But if he does not win the No. 3 job, he does not figure to be with the team under his scheduled $3.925 million salary," wrote Matt Maiocco of CSBBayArea.com.

"... Johnson is a proven player, but it does not appear as if he and quarterback Colin Kaepernick have yet developed great on-field chemistry."

Based on talent, Lloyd should make the team as one of their top-four wideouts, but will the Niners be willing to pay him if he is only fourth on the depth chart?

"[T]here's a big difference between No. 3 and No. 4," Maiocco wrote. "If [Lloyd's] the No. 3 receiver, then Johnson would have to take a pay cut to remain with the team.

"If Lloyd is the No. 4 receiver, his $1.1 million salary could be considered too much for a player who won't play much and contribute nothing on special teams."

Two rounds of roster cuts will take place over the next eight days, so stay tuned.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Bon Jovi's Bills bid living on a prayer? [/h] August, 22, 2014 Aug 22

7:40

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

It appears that the Jon Bon Jovi-led group that is interested in buying the Buffalo Bills are all but out of the mix at this point. John Kryk of QMI Agency quoted a source who said, "They're hanging on by the skin of their teeth. The bid's on life support."

Kryk went on to note that, "Jon Bon Jovi and his Toronto backers are reassessing whether even to continue in their pursuit of the Buffalo Bills, QMI Agency has learned.

"Their bid has been on the rocks for weeks and no one within the group is optimistic they'll wind up buying the NFL team, according to two sources in the position to know.

"The group cancelled a scheduled tour of Ralph Wilson Stadium on Wednesday."

Per Kryk, the group lacks bidding power and still hasn't convinced anyone that they would not try to move the Bills north of the border.

The other other known finalists who have submitted bids are Terry Pegula and Donald Trump.

Per Forbes Magazine, Bon Jovi's group gave the second-highest first-round, non-binding bid at $820 million. Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula led the way at $890 million. Trump came in at $809 million.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

August 23, 2014

[h=3]How secure is Geno as Jets' starter? [/h] August, 23, 2014 Aug 23

9:03

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

After Friday's preseason tilt, New York Jets coach Rex Ryan dubbed Geno Smith his Week 1 starter over Michael Vick, as expected.

The question now is for how long will Smith hold on to that job?

"Although Ryan characterized Smithâ€™s grip on the job as 'week to week,' heâ€™ll likely have at least the first quarter of the season as the starter," wrote Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.

In order to secure the starting gig for the long term, Smith will have to prove he can avoid turning the ball over at the rate we saw from him as a rookie, while continuing to succeed late in games.

Per ESPN Stats & Information, Smith had six games last season in which his QBR was no higher than 10, twice as many games as any other quarterback. Furthermore, only Eli Manning (29) had more turnovers than Smith (25) in 2013.

On the upside, Smith tied future Hall of Fame QB Tom Brady with five game-winning drives.

To Smith's credit, he has stepped up his game and nixed the turnovers during exhibition action this summer:

[h=5]Rich Cimini[/h] One year later, QB clarity instead of chaos

"In five preseason quarters, Smith has committed only one turnover -- an interception on a mistimed route last week with

David Nelson

. That's the biggest difference between last season and now: He doesn't do dumb things. He has completed 70 percent of his passes. If he can be a competent game manager, letting

Chris Johnson

& Co. do the heavy lifting, the Jets can be a playoff team. ... Smith hasn't arrived yet. An encouraging finish last season against poor defensive teams, plus some nice preseason moments, doesn't mean the Jets have found their franchise quarterback. Teams do very little game planning in the preseason, so the coverages are easier to read. In many respects, it's Football 101, so take everything with a grain of salt. But give Smith credit for handling it well, improving a little each week. The real tests start in two weeks."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will 49ers consider artificial turf? [/h] August, 23, 2014 Aug 23

7:53

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The San Francisco 49ers' new $1.2 billion Levi's Stadium has all of the bells and whistles one could imagine, except that most basic of football needs: a functional gridiron.

{C}

The turf got ripped up so much during one game and one hour of practice, coach Jim Harbaugh had to pull his players off the field Thursday. The sod was replaced Friday and is expected to be good to go for Sunday's exhibition tilt with the San Diego Chargers.

That's sounds fine for the short term, but what about the long-term plans -- they certainly can't plan to replace the sod every week.

"The organization is expected to eventually remove that [new] sod and lay down a more permanent surface," wrote Eric Branch of SFGate.com.

"That could happen in a nearly two-week window between Sunday's game and a Mexico vs. Chile soccer match on Sept. 6."

Might the Niners be willing to put in some sort of synthetic turf to assuage the issue permanently? 49ers COO Al Guido said the 49ers aren't seriously considering that option.

"We feel very comfortable we can maintain great grass in this climate," he said.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL

[h=3]'Bell cow' role for Muscle Hamster? [/h] August, 22, 2014 Aug 22

2:45

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

As a rookie, Doug Martin cranked out 1,910 yards and a dozen touchdowns, while averaging 4.6 yards per carry and 9.6 yards per catch. Last season, he averaged only 3.6 yards per carry and 5.5 yards per catch in six games before his season ended due to an injury.

If you're willing to write off last season as a team-wide disaster by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then you should expect a significant rebound in production from Martin under new coach Lovie Smith. However, whether he can push up toward 2,000 combined yards again will depend a lot on how heavy his workload will be.

The good news in that regard is that Smith twice this week referred to Martin as his "bell cow" running back.

On Monday, Smith said, â€œWeâ€™re going to ask him to catch the ball out of the backfield. But the first thing for our tailbacks is they need to get positive yards and make guys miss or run over guys in the open field. Weâ€™re a balanced offensive attack. We donâ€™t get off the bus throwing the football. We need to get production from our running game. Of course, Dougâ€™s our bell cow."

He followed that up Wednesday by noting that although Smith and Bobby Rainey will figure prominently in their plans for the opener, since Mike James and rookie Charles Sims got hurt, Martin will be the featured option.

â€œWith Mike James going down with an injury and with Charles going down, those guys need to play at a certain level,â€ Smith said. â€œTheyâ€™re both good players, but Doug is our bell cow. He likes that role. Heâ€™s had a good camp, hasnâ€™t missed a beat.â€

As the season gets underway, it appears that the Muscle Hamster will see a heavy workload, but that could change as the season progresses, making him a boom-or-bust fantasy pick in the early rounds:

[h=5]Mike Clay[/h] Boom-or-bust picks for 2014

"Round 2: Entering the 2013 season, Martin had the look of a safe first-round investment. The year before, he had racked up nearly 2,000 total yards and 12 touchdowns en route to finishing his rookie campaign third among backs in fantasy points. Instead, he struggled to one score and 3.6 yards per attempt on 139 touches before going down with a season-ending shoulder injury. With Lovie Smith and Jeff Tedford now in control of the Tampa Bay offense, Martin is no longer assured a workhorse role. Charles Sims was selected in the third round this spring, and will be a threat for touches -- especially on passing downs -- once he returns from ankle surgery. Bobby Rainey, Mike James and

Jeff Demps

will be in the mix right out of the gate. Martin is only 25 and has shown flashes of elite production, but his pre-injury struggles of 2013 and uncertain workload are legitimate concerns."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Is Vick OK with being a backup? [/h] August, 22, 2014 Aug 22

12:58

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Although there was supposed to be a quarterback competition between Geno Smith and Michael Vick, it never came to fruition. Smith is going to start in Week 1 for the New York Jets, and Vick never really made an on-field case to convince coach Rex Ryan otherwise.

{C}

Per Jenny Vrentas, writing for TheMMQB.com, Vick seems entirely fine with the backup role.

"No one is intimating that Vick is washed up," Vrentas noted, "which is why some Jets coaches have privately expressed disappointment that Vick didnâ€™t show up more hell-bent on winning the starting job, or at least a little more vested in making Ryan lose sleep again as he agonized over a difficult decision."

"Itâ€™s a strange sight, watching Geno Smith lead the Jetsâ€™ offense in jersey No. 7, the number Vick wore in both Atlanta and Philadelphia," she added. "Stranger still, Vick seems genuinely happy to be backing up an unpolished, unproven quarterback whom ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski ranked No. 30 in the league."

Vick surely seemed to support that notion by saying, "Itâ€™s kind of hard sitting on the sideline and watching your team play. But at the same time, when I look aroundâ€”I look at the stadium, I look at the crowd, I look at myself and see where Iâ€™m atâ€”everything becomes irrelevant. I just appreciate the position that I am in.â€

Since Vick doesn't appear to be putting any pressure at all on Smith, the second-year quarterback should have some room to work through any on-field stumbles he may face. Still, with an offense that likely will be among the league's worst, neither Smith nor Vick are on the fantasy radar.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Rookie RB Hill ready for 1st-team work? [/h] August, 22, 2014 Aug 22

11:27

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

During the first two Cincinnati Bengals preseason games, Giovani Bernard led the way for their backfield, followed by veteran BenJarvus Green-Ellis and then rookie Jeremy Hill.

{C}

Hill has yet to take a carry with the Bengals' first team, but offensive coordinator Hue Jackson said the rookie may get some first-string touches this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Cincinnati.com.

"He's worthy of playing with those guys," Jackson said.

Jackson added that he doesn't see first-team preseason reps as a prerequisite for playing with the first unit during the regular season.

"As long as he's doing what he needs to do I'm fine," Jackson said. "I think that's a little overrated (that he has to get reps with the first team to be in sync) â€“ runners run."

Odds are good that Hill quickly will unseat Law Firm as the power complement to Bernard's lead role. Time will tell how much Hill may eat into Bernard's touches as the regulars season progresses, but Bernard clearly is on top right now -- he has been on the field for every single first-team preseason snap thus far. He enters the 2014 campaign poised to fully breakout:

[h=5]Tim Kavanagh[/h] Updated breakouts

"Bernard displayed feature back capabilities in his rookie season -- in the mold of

LeSean McCoy

or

Jamaal Charles

as opposed to an old-school grinder -- and should get more touches this season, despite the presence of second-round pick Jeremy Hill. Bernard had 149 points on 226 touches last season, and eclipsing 200 points is not out of the question with an increased workload in 2014."

August 25, 2014

[h=3]Will Hyde take Gore's carries? [/h] August, 25, 2014 Aug 25

3:14

PM ET

By Joe Kaiser | ESPN Insider

Frank Gore enters his 10th season needing only 33 rushing yards to eclipse the illustrious 10,000-yard mark for his career. But in what could very well be his final season in San Francisco, the 31-year-old may have to share the load with promising rookie second-rounder Carlos Hyde -- his future replacement -- in 2014.

How much he'll have to share is the big question, and nobody will know for sure until the 49ers take the field Week 1 in Dallas. But Hyde's eye-opening play in preseason has only improved his chances of sharing a good part of the workload.

{C}

It's worth noting that Gore's 4.1 yards per carry last season happened to be his worst average since entering the league. Typically, that's not a number that improves once it starts to decline, and at age 31, Gore is entering the season as one of the league's oldest running backs.

That alone could point to fewer carries for Gore and more for Hyde, but like we mentioned Hyde has earned a longer look based on the way his fresh legs have looked in the preseason.

Here's what Al Saracevic, the sports editor of The San Francisco Chronicle, wrote about that on Monday:

"Rookie running back Carlos Hyde was the only bright spot of the preseason. He looked great. And the team should feed him early and often, saving Frank Gore's legs for November and December. The rookie from Ohio State could be a key factor in the 49ers' offensive success."

Tags: NFL, Insider, Carlos Hyde

[h=3]Might WAS trade Kirk Cousins? [/h] August, 25, 2014 Aug 25

1:58

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The buzz surrounding Washington Redskins backup QB Kirk Cousins reached a fever pitch when former NFL QB Joe Theisman said on a TV broadcast this weekend that Cousins had outplayed Robert Griffin III this preseason.

Cousins isn't going to unseat RG III as the starter any time soon, but with his perceived trade value increasing by the minute, might Washington consider trading Cousins? What would be the asking price?

"Would Redskins now take 3rd-rounder for Cousins? It's not clear. One source expressed doubt they'd trade him at all with Griffin struggling," tweeted Mark Maske of the Washington Post.

Having lost starting QB Sam Bradford for the season due to a torn ACL, would the St. Louis Rams be willing to pony up a high draft pick to land Cousins?

"It's also not clear if Rams would offer a 3rd for Cousins," Maske added. "But Redskins made it clear to Browns in offseason they wouldn't take a 4th."

ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates said on SportsCenter Monday that Washington's approach with potential suitors would be to say, "We're open for business, if the right offer comes across our plate, but we're not going out of our way to shop this guy, because of the importance of the quarterback position ..."

Even a team desperate for a starter would be hard-pressed to invest a third-round pick in a player who would then have to learn their offense and find a rhythm with his pass-catchers on the fly. Combine that with durability and on-field performance concerns surrounding RG III and it appears clear that Cousins isn't going anywhere any time soon.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Potential landing spots for QB Mallett [/h] August, 25, 2014 Aug 25

12:38

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Per ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the New England Patriots will start rookie QB Jimmy Garoppolo in their preseason finale Thursday. In fact, he may play the entire game. Schefter added that, "Even with Jimmy Garoppolo starting Thursday night, Patriots have not yet decided who will be their No. 2 QB."

Nonetheless, it appears clear that the Pats have Ryan Mallett on the trade block.

"#Patriots are expected to hold QB Ryan Mallett out of the final preseason game, source says, as opportunities around @NFL become available," tweeted NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

If the Pats move on from Mallett -- be it via trade or release -- which teams make sense as potential landing spots for the quarterback?

Houston Texans: They've been connected with Mallett ad naseum this offseason, since Texans coach Bill O'Brien was Mallett's OC with the Pats. Nothing happened all summer, though, so why would it happen now? Only if the Texans no longer believe that Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum and Tom Savage can take care of business.
St. Louis Rams: They lost Sam Bradford for the season and will turn to veteran backup Shaun Hill as their starter. With only Austin Davis and sixth-round pick Garrett Gilbert behind Hill, the Rams could use Mallett's presence and might kick the tires on him as a long-term solution -- as the starter or top backup.
Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo is aging and coming off of multiple back surgeries, so there is a very real chance he'll miss a chunk of this season. The Boys could consider Mallett if they aren't sold on No. 2 Brandon Weeden.
Green Bay Packers: Are the Packers confident enough in Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzien to fill in for Aaron Rodgers, if he were to go down again this season? Mallett should provide an upgrade to both quarterbacks and could prove to be a worthy investment for them.
San Francisco 49ers: Do they really envision leaning on Blaine Gabbert if Colin Kaepernick gets hurt? It would be pretty surprising if they wouldn't view Mallett as a better fallback option than Gabbert.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will Derek Carr start in Week 1? [/h] August, 25, 2014 Aug 25

11:45

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

While most fantasy owners had long ago stopped trying to convince themselves that Matt Schaub still had some gas left in the tank, the Oakland Raiders have spent the offseason doing exactly that. He's shown a weak arm in the preseason and skipped Sunday's practice with a sore elbow. Is it serious?

"Source says no major structural damage. Tendinitis. Explains arm strength issues," tweeted NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

Rest can cure tendinitis, and with two weeks remaining before the start of the regular season, he may be ready for Week 1. What if Schaub isn't ready, though? Are the Raiders prepared to hand the controls over to rookie Derek Carr?

"My understanding is staff feels Derek Carr is ready to start, if needed," tweeted NFL Network's Albert Breer.

Typically, the final preseason game is entirely meaningless when it comes to starters. However, it's at least possible that Carr could parlay a good performance Thursday against the Seattle Seahawks into a starting gig, especially if Schaub's elbow ailment lingers.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will FA NT Ryan Pickett find work? [/h] August, 25, 2014 Aug 25

10:46

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Nose tackle Ryan Pickett said back in early July that there is a "100 percent" chance that he will play this season, but the veteran free agent remains unsigned.

{C}

Could he garner some interest from the San Diego Chargers, which are dealing with injuries to NTs Sean Lissemore and Kwame Geathers?

â€œI would love to play for the Chargers,â€ he said, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

However, Tom Krasovic of the Union-Tribune thinks it's an unlikely pairing.

"The Chargers ... prefer youth at the hub of their 3-4 defense. Starter Sean Lissemore is 26 and behind him are 23-year-olds in Kwame Geathers, Ryan Carrethers and Tenny Palepoi," he noted.

"Lissemore (ankle) has been sidelined since exiting at Seattle on Aug. 15. Heâ€™s expected to be ready for the Sept. 8 opener. Geathers, the No. 2, was carted off Sunday. Carrethers and Palepoi are rookies."

How about a return to the Green Bay Packers, who just lost B.J. Raji for the season?

That, too, appears unlikely, since the Packers also are aiming for youth:

[h=5]Rob Demovsky[/h] Packers must go younger without B.J. Raji

"[D]on't look for the Packers to bring back Ryan Pickett, who teamed with Raji on the defensive line the past five seasons. The same is likely the case for Johnny Jolly, who was the third member of the starting defensive line in Green Bay last year. Both Pickett and Jolly are out of work and available, but neither fits what the Packers want to do on defense this season. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers aspires to be quicker across the front line, which means they have to get younger. Pickett will turn 35 in October, while Jolly turned 31 in February. Also, Jolly is coming off a neck injury that required fusion surgery."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL

[h=3]Will Cassel start over Bridgewater? [/h] August, 25, 2014 Aug 25

9:48

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

UPDATE: Per Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, Vikings players have been told that Matt Cassel will start over Teddy Bridgewater. ---

All signs have been pointing to Matt Cassel opening the season as the Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback over Teddy Bridgewater, but no one knows for sure. Coach Mike Zimmer said after Saturday's preseason battle with the Kansas City Chiefs that he wasn't prepared to announce his starter.

{C}

However, Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson thinks Cassel is in position to seize the job.

"Right now, I feel like, just my personal opinion, I feel like Matt has the edge," Peterson told the Pioneer Press on Sunday.

"Going off of understanding the offense and who's running the offense better right now, you know, nothing to do with talent-wise, so that's why Matt (has the edge)," Peterson added.

"He's been here. He's a veteran guy. This is Teddy's first year, so I feel like we are in a good position to even be having that conversation (about quarterback competition)."

The rookie's time will come, but it would be a surprise if Cassel isn't under center Week 1 against the St. Louis Rams:

[h=5]Ben Goessling[/h] Cassel looks like starter in return to KC

"Officially, the Vikings' quarterback competition is ongoing, but when Cassel throws 17 passes,

Teddy Bridgewater

throws seven in just over a quarter of work, and

Christian Ponder

again doesn't play, the pecking order seems clear. ... He's got the arm to play in offensive coordinator Norv Turner's scheme, as he's demonstrated by a number of downfield throws this preseason, but he'll also get burned by taking some chances at times. He's only had two seasons -- his breakout year of 2008 and his Pro Bowl season of 2010 -- where he's averaged less than an interception per game. Still, Cassel has done a solid job of running the Vikings' offense in the preseason without Adrian Peterson, and it'd be a surprise not to see him start when the Vikings return to Missouri on Sept. 7 against the Rams."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Stevan Ridley on Pats' roster bubble? [/h] August, 25, 2014 Aug 25

9:03

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Last year, the New England Patriots' top two rushers were Stevan Ridley (178 rushes for 773 yards and 7 TDs) and LeGarrette Blount (153 rushes for 772 yards and 7 TDs). Ridley spent some time in coach Bill Belichick's doghouse due to a case of fumbilitis, but with Blount scampering off to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, Ridley is all set to take on the workhorse role as the top backfield rusher, right?

{C}

Not necessarily.

While taking a stab at projecting the Pats' Week 1 roster, ESPN Pats reporter Mike Reiss listed Shane Vereen, James White, Brandon Bolden and Jonas Gray in the backfield. Notably absent, of course, is Ridley.

"The Patriots are always good for a surprise, and we've had our antenna up at this position since early July," Reiss wrote.

"If there's a surprise, we'll play a hunch at this spot with Stevan Ridley, whose low snap total Friday (11 snaps) in a 'dress rehearsal' game caught the eye. Meanwhile, Roy Finch lands on the practice squad."

Reiss is just speculating here, but since he's as wired into the Pats as anyone, it's worth noting. If Ridley were released, he would garner plenty of interest from RB-needy teams as a free agent.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will Welker be ready for opener? [/h] August, 25, 2014 Aug 25

8:36

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The inherent fear for Denver Broncos fans and fantasy junkies when it came to Wes Welker was that one more hit to his head could end his career. After all, he sustained a pair of concussions within four games last season and missed the final three regular-season games.

{C}

Those fears were realized during Saturday's preseason tilt when Welker was forced out with yet another concussion. Welker will have 15 days between suffering the injury and the Broncos' regular-season opener -- will he be ready?

"I believe Wes Welker will play in season opener vs. Indy. It's 2 weeks away. His 'concussion helmet' helped absorb D.J. Swearinger blow," tweeted the Denver Post's Mike Klis.

Last season, Welker was able to return to action for the playoffs, so it's at least possible that he'll make a relatively quick return again this time around.

In Fantasyland, if the general concern about Welker's durability makes enough owners uneasy, it's possible that he will sink low enough in drafts to be worth the inherent health risk. His average draft position already dipped from 42nd a week ago to 50th Monday morning.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Potential backup QB targets for Rams [/h] August, 25, 2014 Aug 25

7:30

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The St. Louis Rams have lost Sam Bradford for the entire 2014 campaign before it even started due to a re-torn ACL. Shaun Hill will slide in as the starter in Bradford's stead. They also have Austin Davis and sixth-round pick Garrett Gilbert on the roster, but neither of them has taken an NFL snap under center.

{C}

Will the Rams try to trade for another veteran backup to give them depth behind Hill? Mark Sanchez and Matt McGloin are among the more logical targets the Rams may have, though it appears Sanchez would like to stay with the Philadelphia Eagles rather than rejoin his old OC Brian Schottenheimer.

"f Sanchez has anything to say about it, there's 'no chance' he'd abandon his fresh start as a backup under coach Chip Kelly with the Philadelphia Eagles for a shot to rejoin Schottenheimer and play in St. Louis, a person with knowledge of Sanchez's thinking told USA TODAY Sports on Sunday," wrote Tom Pelissero of USAToday.com.

Considering how good Sanchez has looked this preseason in Kelly's system compared to how he fared under Schottenheimer's direction, it's hard to blame Sanchez for not wanting a swap.

McGloin could be a realistic target.

"Frankly, even if the Rams arenâ€™t interested, I could see another team possibly making a play for McGloin in the next week (Houston and his former Penn State coach Bill Oâ€™Brien perhaps could show interest)," wrote ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson. "But unless the price is right (a conditional mid-round pick perhaps), Iâ€™d think Oakland would rather keep McGloin as a developmental player."

The Rams also could peruse the free-agent market, where the likes of Kyle Orton, Josh Freeman and John Skelton are available. Other potential trade targets include Ryan Mallett, Kirk Cousins, Mike Glennon and Matt Barkley. Roster cuts are coming this week, so it's possible a player of interest will be dropped or become available via a cheap trade.

In the meantime, the Rams won't make a rash decision:

[h=5]Nick Wagoner[/h] Rams turn to Hill but need more help

"[T]hey aren't planning to make an impulse purchase just to say they've done something. 'It makes no sense to jump and react right now and try to fill the hole, whatever it costs,' coach Jeff Fisher said. 'Weâ€™re going to take our time and evaluate this. Thereâ€™s going to be some quarterbacks that are getting released and there may or may not be some quarterbacks that have trade value. We just donâ€™t know. Itâ€™s way too soon.' Waiting is fine for now, but the Rams would be wise to find a way before the season starts to add a backup with experience to back up the one who is now starting."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Latest buzz on RB Pierce, FB Juszczyk [/h] August, 24, 2014 Aug 24

12:43

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The Baltimore Ravens were prepared to ride Bernard Pierce through the first two regular-season games, while Ray Rice serves his suspension. However, he exited Saturday's preseason battle versus the Washington Redskins after taking a blow to his head.

{C}

Per ESPN Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley, the Ravens said afterward that they are following the concussion protocol with the running back.

"We'll have to see," coach John Harbaugh said after the game. "I'm not sure where he's at right now. We'll just have to see how it goes."

If Pierce is unavailable for the opener, the Ravens will have to lean on RBs Lorenzo Taliaferro and Justin Forsett, as they did last night. However, FB Kyle Juszczyk has had a terrific camp and could make a mark as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. He caught five passes for 53 yards last night.

"When the Ravens installed former Harvard standout Kyle Juszczyk as their new starting fullback as the replacement for Vonta Leach, they immediately hoped that he would emerge as a hybrid pass-catching option," wrote Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

"Juszczyk is a versatile player capable of lining up at fullback, H-back or tight end. So far, that's how the scenario has unfolded with Juszczyk leading the Ravens with 10 receptions for 90 yards through three preseason games."

If both Pierce and Rice are out the first two weeks, Juszczyk could see enough targets to be a streaming option in deep PPR leagues. Hensley is expecting the fullback to step his game up this season:

[h=5]Jamison Hensley[/h] Most improved player, offense

"Last year, the Ravens re-signed Vonta Leach because Juszczyk wasn't ready as a rookie. Now, Juszczyk is primed for a breakthrough year as a lead blocker and a receiver."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Why did Cunningham start over Stacy? [/h] August, 24, 2014 Aug 24

10:39

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The third preseason game is supposed to be a dress rehearsal for the regular-season opener. So, when the St. Louis Rams started Bennie Cunningham at running back ahead of presumptive regular-season lead back Zac Stacy, it turned plenty of heads in Fantasyland.

{C}

Stacy's average draft position currently sits at 21st overall, so should fantasy owners be worried? Coach Jeff Fisher downplayed Cunningham's start.

"We just gave him a chance to run behind the first offensive line. We know what Zac can do," Fisher said, per ESPN Rams reporter Nick Wagoner.

In the end, both Stacy and Cunningham had five carries, though Cunningham (6.4 YPC) outpaced Stacy (2.2 YPC). Cunningham also outpaced Stacy last week when he had 24 yards on five carries (4.8 YPC) compared to Stacy's six yards on six carries, though they were about even in the preseason opener (Stacy averaged 5.5 yards on four carries, Cunningham averaged 4.8 yards on five carries).

Last year, Stacy nearly racked up 1,000 yards on 250 carries, while sporting a 3.9 YPC average. Cunningham averaged an impressive 5.6 YPC but only had 47 carries.

If we take Fisher at his word, we can infer that Stacy will remain the lead back and that Cunningham is locked in as the No. 2. Time will tell whether Cunningham can eat into Stacy's workload this season, but it's something to keep an eye on.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Do Vikes need more depth at tackle? [/h] August, 24, 2014 Aug 24

8:49

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

For all of the questions the Minnesota Vikings have at quarterback and on defense, they have one of the top offensive lines in the NFL. However, right tackle Phil Loadholt suffered an injury to his lower left leg during Saturday's exhibition game. It appears that he escaped a long-term issue, though more will be known about his situation after further testing on Sunday.

{C}

"Starting right tackle Phil Loadholt went to the locker room during the first quarter to get an X-ray for his injured lower leg," noted Matt Vensel of the Star-Tribune. "He returned after sitting out one series, but Zimmer said the team plans to take another look at Loadholt with a magnetic resonance imaging exam scheduled for Sunday."

Coach Mike Zimmer added that, â€œThey donâ€™t believe itâ€™s anything real serious."

Despite all of the upside the starting O-line has, they may need to add some depth for the long haul:

[h=5]Ben Goessling[/h] Observation Deck: Minnesota Vikings

"What

Matt Cassel

will have to hope for, however, is better pass protection than he had Saturday. He was sacked three times, and left tackle

Matt Kalil

-- whose quickness is supposed to be his forte -- was beaten around the edge on a speed rush by

Tamba Hali

. Phil Loadholt also left with an injury in the first quarter, and before he came back, undrafted free agent

Austin Wentworth

was beaten by

Jaye Howard

, who forced a fumble that went out of the end zone for a safety. Loadholt returned to the game, but whether he's healthy or not, it wouldn't hurt the Vikings to look for a veteran swing tackle."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL

[h=3]Hernia surgery for Kyle Van Noy? [/h] August, 24, 2014 Aug 24

7:52

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The Detroit Lions drafted Kyle Van Noy in the second round of this year's draft with the hope that they could slide him in right away as their starting strong-side linebacker. Those plans could be on hold due to an abdominal injury that kept him from playing in Friday's preseason game.

{C}

How bad is the injury?

"In NFL parlance, an 'abdominal injury' is often a precursor to sports hernia surgery. And after missing Fridayâ€™s preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with the former, Detroit Lions rookie linebacker Kyle Van Noy is worried he might need the latter,"

"Van Noy said heâ€™s scheduled to undergo further evaluation to determine the extent of his injury in the coming days, but on Saturday he described symptoms often associated with a hernia."

Van Noy had been battling Ashlee Palmer at strong-side linebacker, but with Palmer struggling and Van Noy out, it was Tahir Whitehead who got the start Friday. He took advantage of the opportunity:

[h=5]Michael Rothstein[/h] Lions defensive snap analysis vs. Jaguars

"Whitehead played almost the entire game and was very effective in his start at SAM linebacker with 10 tackles and three sacks. He proved, at worst, that he is a flexible linebacker who can play a fourth backer role if needed. Kyle Van Noy missed the game due to injury and both Palmer and Lewis received a lot of second team snaps. But Whitehead stood out throughout the night. Massive game from him."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

TNVOLFAN · August 25, 2014

Always enjoy reading these Boat...........Thx for posting

August 28, 2014

[h=3]Cunningham, Mason real threats to Stacy? [/h] August, 28, 2014 Aug 28

2:01

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

After we saw Benny Cunningham start ahead of Zac Stacy in the St. Louis Rams' regular-season dress rehearsal last weekend, I noted that it appeared that Stacy still was locked into the lead-back role for the Rams. However, I also noted that, "Time will tell whether Cunningham can eat into Stacy's workload this season, but it's something to keep an eye on."

{C}

That last part appears particularly relevant considering how Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch assessed the Rams backfield on Thursday.

"If Benny Cunningham isnâ€™t challenging Zac Stacy for the starting job, heâ€™s certainly pushing him for playing time," Thomas wrote. "Heâ€™s been the best Rams RB on the field this preseason."

Stacy took advantage of a weak RB corps last season to pile up nearly 1,000 combined yards, but he averaged just 3.9 yards per carry. If Stacy got that workload thanks to opportunity and not high-end talent, it's possible that Cunningham and rookie Tre Mason could be legit threats to his workload this season:

[h=5]Matt Williamson[/h] Top 100 players for dynasty leagues

"No. 41: The Rams' offensive line should be very strong for years to come, and Stacy was highly impressive during his rookie season. Defenses, though, came to key on him as the season went on last year. In addition, the presence of Tre Mason worries me. Stacy and Mason are different type of runners, but I could make the argument that Mason is the superior player with the ball in his hands. It might take a while for Mason to get playing time, but to me, Stacy isn't a special player and could eventually land in a timeshare situation -- or worse."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Dobson ready for preseason debut? [/h] August, 28, 2014 Aug 28

12:34

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

We haven't seen anything from WR Aaron Dobson this offseason, because he has been recovering from March surgery that repaired a fracture in his left foot.

{C}

Any concerns that he will be ready for Week 1 should be assuaged Thursday evening when we get our first preseason look at Dobson.

"Wide receiver Aaron Dobson traveled with the Patriots to New Jersey and is expected to make his preseason debut tonight against the Giants, according to a source," wrote Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald.

"Itâ€™s unclear how much playing time Dobson will get tonight, but any reps will be valuable as he competes with Kenbrell Thompkins and Brandon LaFell to regain his perch as the Pats top outside receiver."

A healthy Dobson will have some sleeper potential in Fantasyland. Dobson currently is going after LaFell and just ahead of Thompkins in ESPN leagues. However, he should quickly pass Thompkins (just as he did during last season) and LaFell (who doesn't offer the same upside as Dobson) to earn that X job with the Pats.

If he can stretch the field as a full-time starter, like the Pats hoped he would when they dropped a second-round pick on him in 2013, he could develop into an impact stat-stuffer. He flashed that potential in Week 9 last year, when he racked up 130 yards and 2 TDs against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Is CFL an option for Josh Gordon? [/h] August, 28, 2014 Aug 28

11:02

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Earlier this morning, I took a look at whether Josh Gordon would fight his season-long suspension through the Ohio court system.

Could another option for Gordon be to accept his NFL punishment and play ball in the Canadian Football League?

"Josh Gordon is exploring the possibility of playing the rest of the year in the Canadian Football League, per sources," tweeted ESPN NFL insider Chris Mortensen.

However, it appears that is an unlikely situation to come to fruition.

"CFL official says league rules prohibit a suspended player like Josh Gordon who is under contract from playing in CFL," Mortensen added. "The CFL official said the league 'made a mistake' and closed loophole that enabled Ricky Williams to play for Toronto while under suspension."

About the only way that it could happen is if the Cleveland Browns release Gordon, because the no-CFL rule applies only to players under contract with an NFL team.

"If he is [cut by the Browns], then he would be allowed to play," said NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on "The Dan Patrick Show" Thursday morning.

Rapoport prefaced that by stating the obvious: "He's not going to be cut by the Browns."

In other words, it appears that we will not be seeing Gordon catching footballs north of the border this season.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]What role will RB Michael have in '14? [/h] August, 28, 2014 Aug 28

10:46

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

We know that Marshawn Lynch is the workhorse in the Seattle Seahawks backfield, but it remains unclear exactly how they plan to use backups Christine Michael and Robert Turbin. We won't get to see them battle Thursday evening in the Seahawks' preseason finale, because Michael strained a hamstring.

{C}

What does Michael have to do this season to overtake Turbin for the No. 2 job? O-line coach Tom Cable points to improved consistency as the key.

â€œYou might see the great cut one time and then not the next, and itâ€™s the exact same scenario,â€ offensive-line coach Tom Cable said, per Jayson Jenks of the Seattle Times. â€œHe comes across and makes a great pickup and then heâ€™s supposed to chip and then, â€˜Oh, Iâ€™m going to get out for my route and, oops, I forgot to chip.â€™

"Itâ€™s just being able to put a good play together and then a good one the next time and the next time. When that becomes his habit, then he owns it. Right now, he doesnâ€™t own it.â€

Michael noted that he has to improve in taking care of the little things.

â€œDoing the small things right,â€ he said. â€œKnowing who to block, ball security, the passing game.â€

Right now, Turbin has a grip on the No. 2 job over Michael.

"[T]he Seahawks need to trust Michael, and in that sense he is still behind Lynch and Robert Turbin," Jenks wrote.

Still, Michael's talent and upside is tremendous, which means that if Lynch is felled by an injury, fantasy owners will want Michael rostered over Turbin:

[h=5]Mike Clay[/h] 10 must-have fantasy handcuffs

"I hesitated putting Michael on this list because he does not have a clear path to a workhorse role in the event of an injury to Seattle feature back Marshawn Lynch. Still, I believe he's one of the best handcuffs in fantasy for two reasons: (1) he's talented enough to quickly overtake current No. 2 back Robert Turbin; and (2) the Seattle offense will rank near the top of the league in rushing attempts. Even if forced to share snaps, Michael would see enough volume to produce borderline RB1 numbers. And, in a best-case scenario where he takes complete control of the Seattle backfield, Michael would enter the top-five conversation. A 2013 second-round pick, Michael has shown flashes of his ability to be a dominant producer at the NFL level."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Packers No. 3 WR: Boykin or Adams? [/h] August, 28, 2014 Aug 28

10:06

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Last season, while the Green Bay Packers were battling injuries, second-year WR Jarrett Boykin had a nice stretch of games. During that five-game midseason stretch, he had at least 89 yards four times, including two 100-yard performances.

{C}

WR James Jones' offseason departure opened the door for Boykin to take on a larger role this season, but in order to secure that role, he will have to hold off second-rounder Davante Adams for the No. 3 job.

Who has the upper hand in the battle as we head into the Packers' preseason finale? It looks like it is Boykin.

"Clearly, Jarrett Boykin has taken the next step," coach Mike McCarthy said, per Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "I just love the way he plays. He's had an excellent camp.

"He's physical, his toughness, he's relentless. I think he's exceptional at the top of his route. You see his strength and balance to separate from a DB."

How about the rookie Adams?

"Adams, a second-round draft choice, has been feeling his way as the team's No. 4 receiver," wrote McGinn. "He's had good days and some not so good ones."

The third wideout in the Packers offense sees plenty of action, and right now it appears that Boykin is locked into that role. Adams will have to improve his consistency in order to put pressure on Boykin during the season.

[h=5]Rob Demovsky[/h] Assessing Packers' rookies: Most will stick

"Early in camp, Adams was pushing Jarrett Boykin for the No. 3 receiver spot but inconsistent play derailed that. Meanwhile, Boykin has overcome a slow start to secure that spot. If Adams can refine his route running and shore up his hands, he could still make a push for more playing time as the year goes on."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will Gordon find relief in court? [/h] August, 28, 2014 Aug 28

8:55

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

A couple of weeks ago, I examined the possibility that Josh Gordon could turn to the Ohio legal system, if he lost his appeal of a year-long suspension.

{C}

Well, he lost that appeal Wednesday and is poised to sit out at least the entire 2014 campaign. Will he attempt to beat the suspension -- or at least delay it -- by filing suit against the NFL?

"Josh Gordon's legal team is currently pursuing all of its legal options in regard to his season-long suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, a source told cleveland.com Thursday," wrote Mary Kay Cabot.

"However, one league source familiar with such NFL cases said 'he has no shot of having the suspension overturned in court. It's over.'

"The source said Gordon has no case, because the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFLPA will trump any involvement by the courts."

That may be the rub if he tries to seek a temporary restraining order in an attempt to delay the inevitable suspension (a la Kevin and Pat Williams, who delayed their suspensions for two years, in a similar case); in order to get a TRO, Gordon's attorneys would have to prove that their client has a good chance of winning his case. Obviously, if a judge feels Gordon has "no shot" of winning, Gordon is not likely to get a TRO.

Gordon is still a very worthy keeper in dynasty fantasy leagues, because he will be a beast for years to come, if he can get his off-field life in order. And if there remains any chance of Gordon finding relief in the courts, he's still worth a later-round flier in re-draft leagues.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Is Ertz ready to bust loose in '14? [/h] August, 28, 2014 Aug 28

7:56

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

As of Thursday morning, Philadelphia Eagles TE Zach Ertz was barely even registering as a draft target in standard fantasy leagues. His current ADP is 133rd overall, 13th amongst tight ends. The upside of that is Ertz is poised to be a genuine sleeper as he likely heads for a breakout campaign this season.

{C}

Paul Domowitch of Philly.com expects Ertz to be the primary beneficiary of DeSean Jackson's departure from the Eagles.

"The Eagles had four touchdown drives of nine plays or more in the first three quarters of [the Eagles' third preseason game]. That's just five fewer than they had all of last season, when they led the league in touchdown drives of six plays or fewer," Domowitch noted.

"So, look for fewer deep balls and more bubble screens and slants by the wide receivers and more screens and wheel routes by running backs LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles.

"And a much bigger role in the passing game for Ertz and the Eagles' other starting tight end, Brent Celek."

Ertz has made big strides as a blocker, which will help keep him on the field far more often this season, and thus create more chances to catch passes.

"As Ertz gained experience last season, Kelly went to more two-tight end sets. The Eagles used two- and three-tight end formations only 17.5 percent of the time in the first eight games, but 37.7 percent in the last eight," Domowitch wrote.

"Two-tight-end sets generally are regarded as a run formation. Defenses usually use their base package against it. But the Eagles passed nearly 40 percent of the time with '12' personnel (one back, two tight ends and two wide receivers) on the field last season."

Ertz is a highly talented prospect, and Domowitch went so far as to compare his potential to that of Jimmy Graham, Jason Witten and Rob Gronkowski.

Domowitch isn't the only reporter who expects to see more targets for Ertz this season:

[h=5]Todd Archer[/h] Observation Deck: Philadelphia Eagles

"

Nick Foles

had a ridiculous 27-touchdown, two-interception season in 2013. He has been intercepted three times in the preseason, but with tight ends Zach Ertz and Brent Celek he will have the chance to make some easy throws in the middle of the field. The Eagles used the play-action a number of times to get the ball down the seams to his tight end. Celek had two catches for 41 yards and Ertz had two for 24 yards."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Is Jermaine Kearse being overlooked? [/h] August, 27, 2014 Aug 27

3:53

PM ET

By Joe Kaiser | ESPN Insider

After Jermaine Kearse's dazzling spin-and-run touchdown in Seattle's Super Bowl route of Denver, one would expect him to get more recognition as one of Seattle's main threats in the passing game.

That isn't the case, however.

Instead, most of the attention is going to Percy Harvin, who missed all but three games last season due to injury and is only now back to 100 percent. Rookie second-rounder Paul Richardson, who put together an impressive fall camp and gives Russell Wilson another deep threat to go with Harvin, is the other receiver generating headlines.

Like Doug Baldwin, one of Wilson's favorite targets over the past two seasons, Kearse for whatever reason has floated under the radar. But that could change if he builds on his Super Bowl TD and his breakout campaign of 2013.

His final numbers from last seaosn may not jump out at you -- he was targeted only 38 times and finished with 22 receptions, 346 yards and four touchdowns. The end-of-season stats don't always tell the whole tale, however, and that's the case here.

Kearse was targeted five times in both the NFC Championship game and Super Bowl and hauled in a touchdown catch in both, which was more indicative of the way he was being used at end of the season -- as the team's big play receiver who Wilson felt confident throwing it up to. In fact, if you count the playoffs, Kearse was targeted three or more times in seven of the Seahawks final nine games.

That may not sound like much, but if Kearse continues to build on that in his third year with better weapons around him (Harvin and Richardson instead of Golden Tate), it's conceivable to see the 24-year-old becoming a well known name around the league by the end of his third NFL season.

Tags: NFL, Jermaine Kearse, Insider

[h=3]Where Latimer could become a force [/h] August, 27, 2014 Aug 27

3:06

PM ET

By Joe Kaiser | ESPN Insider

With Wes Welker's future somewhat up in the air after the 33-year-old suffered his third concussion over the past 10-months, it'll likely fall on former Steeler Emmanuel Sanders to handle Walker's workload until he's able to return.

Any absence by Welker could also open the door for Cody Latimer, the rangy rookie second-round pick out of Indiana, to become a bigger factor. Here's the latest on that.

Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold of ESPN's NFL Nation writes Wednesday that the 6-foot-2 Latimer could be used "in some of their red zone packages, because of Latimer's size and ability to win the ball in contested situations."

The rookie told Legwold that it's a role he could thrive in.

"I felt like that was a strength of mine in college and want it to be in the NFL," Latimer said.

Even if Latimer does get the opportunity to be on the field in red zone situations, lets not forget that Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas are two huge targets for Peyton Manning as well. It's also worth noting that all of this could be a moot point if Welker returns for Week 1 and remains concussion-free over the duration of the season.

Tags: NFL, Insider, Cody Latimer

[h=3]Is Jordan Matthews a sleeping giant? [/h] August, 27, 2014 Aug 27

2:48

PM ET

By Joe Kaiser | ESPN Insider

Philadelphia's Jordan Matthews isn't the only rookie receiver generating some buzz in fantasy football circles; Brandin Cooks of the New Orleans Saints, Sammy Watkins in Buffalo, and Carolina's Kelvin Benjamin are others who could be in for a big year as first-year pros.

But Matthews (rated way down at No. 199 overall by ESPN Fantasy) has some things working in his favor that should have you considering him in the middle of your fantasy draft.

{C}

The 6-foot-3, 212-pounder is someone who will benefit from playing in Chip Kelly's offense, one of the most high-powered attacks in the game, don't forget that he's also someone the Eagles traded up to get in the second round (No. 42 overall) back in May, so you know they're going to try to use him as much as he allows them.

Also encouraging -- so far in three preseason games, the Eagles haven't wasted any time in seeing what they have in the former Vanderbilt standout. As a matter of fact, Matthews has a NFL-high 15 receptions thus far in the preseason, averaging 8.9 yards per catch.

It looks like Matthews will get plenty of chances to make an impact as a rookie, and may even be able to turn into one of Nick Foles' top targets if Jeremy Maclin or Riley Cooper miss time due to injury. Here are ESPN Insiders Mel Kiper Jr. and Matthew Berry with more on Philadelphia's promising rookie receiver.

[h=5]Mel Kiper Jr.[/h] Matthews gives Foles a big target

"Jordan Matthews of the

Philadelphia Eagles

is another receiver who is really intriguing to me. If Nick Foles continues developing at QB behind a very good offensive line -- they've also still got

LeSean McCoy

in the backfield and added Sproles -- that offense could be really good, and Matthews is a good fit for it. He is a bigger receiver and he has good hands despite the occasional drop."

[h=5]Matthew Berry[/h] Kelly knows how to use Matthews

"I know that Matthews is a player the Eagles like a lot at slot receiver. Plus, if there's a coach who knows how to make the most out of his talent, it's Chip Kelly."

Tags: NFL, Jordan Matthews, Insider

September 1, 2014

[h=3]Titans to sign Succop to replace Coons? [/h] September, 1, 2014 Sep 1

9:07

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The Tennessee Titans had Travis Coons and Maikon Bonani battling for their starting kicker job during the preseason. Coons was the initial winner, as they released Bonani when they dropped down to 53 players. However, neither was very convincing in exhibition action, so it was expected that they would comb free agency for a veteran upgrade.

It looks like they may have found their man.

"The Titans have a strong interest in former Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop and indications are they could sign him as early as Monday, according to sources familiar with the situation," wrote Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean.

The Chiefs opted to go with undrafted rookie Cairo Santos over Succop, who was due nearly $2 million in salary this season. Coincidentally, the Titans face the Chiefs in Week 1.

As ESPN Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky notes, Succop has a connection to the Titans, too.

"Assistant special-teams coach Steve Hoffman has a good track record developing young kickers," Kuharsky wrote. "Dan Carpenter and Ryan Succop are among the successful kickers he helped develop."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Future in doubt for Chargers G Clary? [/h] September, 1, 2014 Sep 1

8:29

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

In recent weeks, the San Diego Chargers have been coy about the status of guard Jeromey Clary, who had been slow to recover from offseason shoulder and hip surgeries. He remained on the PUP list throughout training camp and the preseason and was added to the reserve PUP list for the regular season last week.

What gives?

"The Chargers guard underwent hip surgery about a week ago, sources said," wrote Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune. "It's his second such operation in three months and third overall in the past six.

"Although the Physically Unable to Perform list contains a wide window in which a player can be activated and return to the field, it is not considered a lock he will play this year."

Since he's on the PUP list for the regular season, he will miss at least the first six games. If he isn't activated for Week 14, he automatically will be placed on injured reserve, formally ending his season. Beyond that, his future with the team is in doubt, because he will be 31 by season's end and is in the final year of his contract with the Chargers.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL

[h=3]How will Browns split carries? [/h] September, 1, 2014 Sep 1

7:57

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Those of us who held on to Ben Tate for years in keeper leagues, while he battled injuries as a backup to Arian Foster with the Houston Texans, thought we would get paid off once he scampered off to the Cleveland Browns as an unrestricted free agent this year. But then the Browns went and drafted Terrance West in the third round. Since he rattled off 2,509 yards and 41 touchdowns last year for Division I-AA Towson University, he looked like a legitimate threat to a workhorse role for Tate.

However, West struggled during the preseason.

"He's been slow adjusting to Kyle Shanahan's blocking scheme and appears tentative in his decisions," wrote Tom Reed of Cleveland.com.

"In their meeting, [coach Mike] Pettine emphasized not every carry goes for big gainers in the pros."

Specifically, Pettine said, "It's the creases in the NFL that can gain you four or five yards aren't that big. They don't appear that big. When that crease is there, we've got to go ahead and square up and get downhill and understand, 'Hey, know how to finish a run so I'm not taking a big hit.'"

With West slow out of the gate, Pettine said he is "comfortable with RB Ben Tate playing on third down," per Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.

That suggests that Tate will, in fact, be a three-down workhorse back against the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. As for West's role, he will have to hold off upstart undrafted rookie Isaiah Crowell for touches behind Tate:

[h=5]Ashley Fox[/h] Cleveland Browns cut-down analysis

"Last week, Pettine said Dion Lewis was close to grabbing the No. 3 running back spot. On Saturday, Lewis got cut. Ben Tate will be the starter, backed up by

Terrance West

and undrafted rookie free agent Isaiah Crowell, who should get a handful of carries per game. In the Browns last preseason game, Crowell rushed for 102 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown run. Chris Ogbonnaya also got cut."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will Scobee be ready for opener? [/h] August, 31, 2014 Aug 31

12:02

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Kicker Josh Scobee has been nursing a quadriceps injury, but will he be available for the Jacksonville Jaguars' regular-season kickoff against the Philadelphia Eagles?

â€œThatâ€™s our hope," general manager David Caldwell told reporters Saturday, per Jacksonville.com. â€œHeâ€™s feeling better and weâ€™ll know more probably by mid-week."

Caldwell added that they plan to "bring in a couple of guys during the week and have some workouts and have them ready to go if we need them on Sunday."

Among the kickers who were released this week are Connor Barth, Alex Henery and Maikon Bonani. Veterans Jay Feely, Rob Bironas and Shayne Graham also are available as free agents.

The Jags could reconsider Kasey Redfern, who they let go on Saturday, though he performed better when punting during the preseason than he did on field-goal tries.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will Jets target CB Joseph via trade? [/h] August, 31, 2014 Aug 31

10:15

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Despite the fact that the focal point of New York Jets coach Rex Ryan's defense is his top cornerbacks, that position remains a glaring weakness as they head toward Week 1. It's even thinner than it was when they opened training camp, as Dee Milliner still is nursing a high ankle sprain and they cut ties with Dmitri Patterson.

That likely leaves Darrin Walls and converted safety Antonio Allen as the Jets' starting CBs, with Kyle Wilson covering the slot. So, surely they will be poring over recently cut corners via the waiver wire and free agency for help. They may also consider trades.

"Expect Jets to scour wire & explore/inquire about possible trades for CBs. Intriguing name to keep an eye on: Texans' Johnathan Joseph," tweeted Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.

Although that surely would be an upgrade for the Jets, ESPN Houston Texans reporter Tania Ganguli thinks such a trade would be an unlikely scenario.

"... f the Jets are interested in Joseph, I'd be very surprised if the #Texans had interest in trading him," she tweeted.

Barring an unexpected trade like landing Joseph, it's clear that general manager John Idzik failed this offseason to flesh out his cornerback corps:

[h=5]Rich Cimini[/h] Cornering the market on mistakes

"General manager John Idzik deserves to be criticized for his handling of the cornerback situation, especially now that Dimitri (Don't Call Me AWOL) Patterson is a goner, but this whole

Darrelle Revis

angle is tired. That bridge was burned by both sides, and the Jets weren't interested in repairing it. I didn't criticize Idzik at the time, so I certainly won't second-guess him now. My problem is that his non-Revis plan wasn't any good. In free agency, he identified Patterson as a starting-caliber player even though he had only 20 career starts and had played with six teams in 10 years, wearing out his welcome in most places. (From what I understand, he was considered a diva around the Jets even before he went AWOL.) Instead of doubling down in the draft, Idzik didn't draft a corner until the third round -- the injury-prone Dexter McDougle, who is out for the season. How's it all working out?"

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL

[h=3]Orton's deal and Manuel's short leash [/h] August, 31, 2014 Aug 31

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The immediate impact of Kyle Orton's signing with the Buffalo Bills was that they let Jeff Tuel go, though he may still have a role with the team.

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"It's a significant upgrade, although the Bills will hope Orton doesn't have to play soon," noted ESPN Bills reporter Mike Rodak. "He'll have to learn the playbook on the fly this season. Meanwhile, Tuel has a chance to return to the practice squad under the NFL's revised rules."

What does Orton's signing mean for second-year starter EJ Manuel? As Rodak noted, Orton won't be a threat to Manuel until he can get up to speed with the playbook. However, Orton's contract suggests that he very well could slide into the starting role at some point.

Per NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, Orton's two-year deal could pay him more than $5 million this season. That's the same amount he got as a signing bonus for his last contract with the Dallas Cowboys. It's also a hefty financial commitment for a backup.

Surely, the Bills want Manuel to play well enough to put a firm grip on the starting gig. However, Orton's contract seems to suggest that they are concerned about Manuel's ability to rebound from a shaky preseason and likely will have him on a short leash.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Odell Beckham unlikely for Week 1? [/h] August, 31, 2014 Aug 31

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

After the New York Giants placed Mario Manningham and Trindon Holliday on injured reserve Saturday, they are down to six wide receivers on their initial 53-man roster: Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle, Odell Beckham, Jr., Jerrel Jernigan, Preston Parker and Corey Washington.

The lingering question as we head toward their regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions is whether Beckham will be over his nagging hamstring injury in time to play. It sounds unlikely, based on coach Tom Coughlin's comments on Saturday.

â€œPreston also has the PR/KR ability. Right now thatâ€™s very critical for us, because Odell Beckham was going to be the PR," Coughlin said, per Jordan Raanan of NJ.com.

Reading between the lines, we can infer that Coughlin doesn't expect Beckham to be ready for Week 1 and, thus, will have to lean on Parker for punt returns early this season.

ESPN Giants reporter Dan Graziano takes a look at how the Giants will handle their roster once Beckham gets right:

[h=5]Dan Graziano[/h] New York Giants cut-down analysis

"Due to the Odell Beckham Jr. injury and the inability of Mario Manningham to make the team, the New York Giants ended up having to carry six wide receivers, including undrafted Corey Washington and former Buccaneer Preston Parker, who's likely to open as the No. 1 punt returner. Once Beckham is healthy enough to play and return punts, they could drop a receiver and add at running back or tight end, where they only kept three players each."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]What Winston release means to Seahawks [/h] August, 30, 2014 Aug 30

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By Joe Kaiser | ESPN Insider

In somewhat of a surprise move, veteran offensive tackle Eric Winston was released by the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. Here's why the Seahawks likely made the decision, and the trickle-down effect it will likely have on the rest of the roster.

{C}

Jayson Jenks of the Seattle Times tweets: "I had Eric Winston on my final roster. Thought he was veteran insurance for Okung/Britt, but that saves the Seahawks a million bucks."

That is probably the biggest reason why Winston was a roster casualty on cut day. But this also could reveal some other things about the Seahawks, and where coach Pete Carroll believes the team is at.

Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times astutely points out that releasing Winston "probably means that the Seahawks are confident that Russell Okung is fine." Condotta also speculates that Garry Gilliam, an undrafted rookie out of Penn State who played some tackle in Seattle's final preseason game at Oakland, probably now makes the team. If the Seahawks keep Gilliam, who Condotta believes could also be used as a blocking tight end, it may come at the expense of former Bellevue High standout and Michigan product Stephen Schilling.

[h=3]Browns a landing spot for Stephen Hill? [/h] August, 30, 2014 Aug 30

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By Joe Kaiser | ESPN Insider

After learning that his client, Stephen Hill, had been cut by the New York Jets on Saturday, agent Alan Herman wasted little time talking about the former second-rounder's next move.

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"I would think the Browns would put in a claim," Herman told USA Today Sports. "(Coach Mike) Pettine knows him and they need receivers and Stephen can stretch the field."

Given what the Browns currently have at receiver minus Josh Gordon (suspended for the 2014 season) and Nate Burleson (cut on Saturday) -- Andrew Hawkins, Miles Austin, Charles Johnson and Travis Benjamin -- it'd certainly make a lot of sense for them to roll the dice on someone like Hill, who stands 6-foot-4, runs a sub 4.5 forty and may still have a lot of untapped potential.

We'll let you know if we hear anything more behind the Hill-to-Cleveland rumors.

Tags: NFL, Insider

[h=3]Notable WR cuts from Saturday [/h] August, 30, 2014 Aug 30

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By Joe Kaiser | ESPN Insider

It's cut day around the NFL and here's a look at some of the notable receivers who failed to earn a roster spot and, thus, became free agents on Saturday.

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Stephen Hill, New York Jets (2nd round, 2012)
Vincent Brown, San Diego Chargers (3rd round, 2011)
Nate Burleson, Cleveland Browns
Josh Boyce, New England Patriots (4th round, 2013)
Kris Durham, Detroit Lions (4th round, 2011)

There are some surprises on the list, to be sure, and you can expect teams with needs at receiver -- like the Browns and Jets -- to be among the main suitors for some of these names.

We'll keep you updated on any further developments.

Tags: NFL, Insider

September 2, 2014

[h=3]When will QB Wilson get his payday? [/h] September, 2, 2014 Sep 2

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Part of the reason why the Seattle Seahawks have been able to build and keep a deeply talented roster is that their star quarterback, Russell Wilson, is being paid a mere pittance -- at least in terms of NFL contracts. His salary-cap hit is just $817,302 this season and $953,519 in 2015.

Assuming he continues on his successful path and avoids a major injury, a big payday is looming. Will he end up being the first quarterback from the 2012 draft class -- which includes Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Nick Foles and Ryan Tannehill -- to get a mega-contract? Mark Maske of the Washington Post thinks Wilson will, largely due to the CBA's rookie pay system.

"Under that system, drafted rookies sign four-year contracts and those deals cannot be renegotiated until after three seasons. For the 2012 quarterback class, that means they will be eligible to renegotiate following the upcoming 2014 season," wrote Maske.

"The rookie compensation system also puts an option for a fifth season automatically into the contracts of first-round draft picks like Luck, Griffin and Tannehill.

"Non first-rounders, such as Wilson and fellow third-rounder Foles, have no such fifth-year options in their contracts. So they are a year closer to their deals expiring and being eligible for free agency, and their teams could feel more urgency to negotiate with them sooner rather than later."

Wilson, of course, already has a Super Bowl win in hand, but he could further boost his value leading up to his inevitable contract extension by taking on a larger role in the Seahawks offense:

[h=5]Matt Williamson[/h] Top 100 players for dynasty leagues

"No. 66: Wilson is extremely advanced for his age and, of course, is a great runner as well as passer. I contend that he is only getting better. It might be difficult to envision now, but as Wilson further matures and

Marshawn Lynch

fades into the sunset, the Seahawks could become a more pass-happy offense. Also, take notice that Seattle drafted two prominent wide receivers and now have a pretty impressive stable of young receiving options. Wilson has scored 57 touchdowns over his two-year career. What if Seattle opens things up just a little? Judging by their offseason wide receiver moves, I think such a development might not be too far away."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Is S-Jax ready to face Saints? [/h] September, 2, 2014 Sep 2

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

After Steven Jackson missed four games -- and limped through several others -- last season due to a hamstring injury, it was disconcerting that he missed this preseason due to another hamstring injury.

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Will he be ready to roll Sunday against the New Orleans Saints?

"I'm extremely excited for Week 1," Jackson said, per AtlantaFalcons.com. "It's been a training camp that I missed the majority of the time, but I've been working hard physically and mentally to prepare for this coming Sunday; I feel good about it."

Jackson may be ready to play in the Falcons' regular-season opener this weekend, but it's not clear what sort of workload he will get. Facing the high-octane Saints O, the Falcons likely will spend much of the game airing the ball out.

As for the long haul, with nearly 3,000 career touches under his belt, the 31-year-old Jackson is anything but a sure bet to stay on the field for 16 games this season. If you rolled the dice on S-Jax in your fantasy drafts, you had better have him handcuffed with upstart rookie Devonta Freeman.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Is RG III a more nuanced passer now? [/h] September, 2, 2014 Sep 2

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

As much as Robert Griffin III is known for his tremendous speed and athleticism as a runner, he also sports a cannon of an arm. He's capable of ripping deep-ball passes with a simple flick of his wrist.

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However, early during this past offseason, Griffin spent time working on his mechanics with Terry Shea, with whom he practiced for several weeks prior to the 2012 draft. Specifically, RG III worked on developing a softer touch with his passes.

"Shea pushed RG3 to do more than throw hard," wrote Les Carpenter for BleacherReport.com. "If anything, the quarterback had been too reliant on his fastball. A big part of being a great passer in the NFL is an ability to change speedsâ€”lobbing some balls while firing othersâ€”Shea told him.

"Even in the ruins of last year, Griffinâ€™s throws were rockets. But not every situation calls for a bullet. Shea forced him to lighten some of his passes."

Did the practice pay off? In the eyes of Washington tight end Logan Paulsen, it has.

â€œHeâ€™s matured in how he throws the ball," Paulsen said during training camp. "Not every (pass) is so freaking hard.â€

While developing a more nuanced skill set as a passer should help RG III mature as a quarterback, there still remain plenty of concerns heading into the 2014 campaign:

[h=5]Eric Karabell[/h] Separating quarterbacks into tiers

"Tier 4: I have more concerns now than I did a few weeks ago, and not because a Super Bowl-winning QB from this organization's heyday decades ago said so. I can see it. Everyone can! RG III hasn't looked good at all, and maybe it's not that big a deal in August, but he looked uncomfortable last year, as well. I think the

DeSean Jackson

acquisition is overrated and this new offense is going to struggle. There's upside in RG III, and he's a worthy fantasy starter, but Griffin scares me and I'd be happy to let someone else deal with it and just take one of the others in this tier."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]What to expect from new Titans WRs [/h] September, 2, 2014 Sep 2

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The Tennessee Titans added a pair of pass-catchers this weekend in former Detroit Lions WR Kris Durham and former Buffalo Bills WR T.J. Graham.

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Obviously, the Titans gained some depth with the moves, but what are they expecting to get from the wide receivers?

"Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt says the latest additions to the wide receiver corps â€“ both claimed off waivers -- should represent upgrades in size and speed," wrote John Glennon of the Tennessean.

"The size comes in the form of 6-6, 216-pound Kris Durham, who caught 38 passes for 490 yards and two touchdowns in Detroit last year. He made five red-zone receptions for 49 yards and the two touchdowns.

"The speed comes in the form of 5-11, 188-pound T.J. Graham, who caught 23 passes for the Bills last year â€“ averaging 15.7 yards per reception and scoring two touchdowns. Six of Graham's catches last year were for more than 20 yards."

With Kendall Wright, Nate Washington and Justin Hunter atop the depth chart, neither Durham nor Graham should see much game action, barring injuries.

Ideally, Hunter will prove to be the perfect combination of size and speed for the Titans this season:

[h=5]Sam Monson[/h] PFF's preseason grades identify five players poised to blow up

"Hunter's rookie season wasn't quite a bust, but 354 receiving yards was less than the Titans were hoping for from the former Tennessee Volunteer. The good news was that he did flash late in the season and 223 of those yards came in two 100-yard receiving games in the second half of the year. He has carried that form over this preseason, notching 217 receiving yards, second among wideouts league-wide, and displaying the kind of big-play ability that was largely absent during his rookie year as he adjusted to life in the NFL. It included a 111-yard, two-score game against New Orleans and featured several big plays against tight coverage. He hasn't dropped a single pass sent his way and looks like the kind of player the Titans can make great use of to keep attention away from top receiver Kendall Wright."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Keys to Bucs beating Panthers [/h] September, 2, 2014 Sep 2

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Last year, the Carolina Panthers beat down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers twice, outscoring them 58-19 in their two victories. QB Cam Newton led the charge, combining for 484 passing yards and 4 TDs and 118 yards and another two scores with his legs.

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Not surprisingly, the key for the Bucs D in their Week 1 battle with the Panthers will be keeping Newton in check. How will they attempt to do that?

â€œWhat I remember most is how big and fast he is in person," said defensive tackle Akeem Spence, per TBO.com. â€œWeâ€™ve got to keep Cam in the pocket because once he gets out, he can outrun guys. When you see his stride in action and youâ€™re taking 40 steps to catch up to his 10, itâ€™s tough."

Of course, slowing Newton and the Panthers O isn't the only key for the Bucs. If they are going to win, they'll also have to keep the ferocious Panthers D at bay, too:

[h=5]Pat Yasinskas[/h] 2014 Predictions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

"The overhauled offensive line is going to get a huge early test from Carolina's pass rush. That could make for a rocky start to the season. Prediction: [bucs] Loss"

Tags: Indianapolis Colts, NFL

[h=3]Moreno atop depth chart over Miller? [/h] September, 2, 2014 Sep 2

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Incumbent Miami Dolphins starting running back Lamar Miller was put on notice when the Fins added Knowshon Moreno to their roster during the offseason, but a June knee scope for Moreno tabled the competition until late August. Miller had plenty of offseason buzz, but Moreno has looked good since returning to action.

{C}

So, who will be the top back for the Fins?

"The Dolphins wanted Lamar Miller to be their starter this season. They wanted him to be productive. As it stands now, he's not either," wrote Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.

"Even if Miller is the player introduced with the starters -- which he might not be -- it is clear Knowshon Moreno is Miami's lead running back. Miller, who was the starter and unchallenged all preseason, has lost his job as Miami's lead back."

Odds are that we will see both Moreno and Miller working as tag-team partners in a timeshare early on, but it's entirely possible that one of them will pull away as the feature back. Right now, Moreno seems to be the favorite to do just that, after averaging 6.4 yards per carry in the preseason, compared to Miller's 3.4 YPC.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Short-term IR for Marquess Wilson? [/h] September, 2, 2014 Sep 2

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

As training camp got underway, Marquess Wilson was expected to settle in as the Chicago Bears' No. 3 wide receiver, giving the team a talented trio atop the depth chart with Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Wilson. Unfortunately, that plan was tabled after he broke his right collarbone in early August, requiring surgery to repair the damage.

The initial estimate was that he could miss 12-14 weeks, which means he likely won't be available until the Bears return from their Week 9 bye to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 10. The impending question now is whether the franchise will place him on injured reserve with a designation to return, which would keep him out until at least Week 10.

â€œI think I could better answer that after Wednesdayâ€™s practice, and itâ€™s simply because thereâ€™s a lot of technical CBA rules involved in this thing,â€ coach Marc Trestman said. â€œI think that to bring clarity to it, Iâ€™d rather give you that answer as we move through the week.â€

ESPN Bears reporter Michael C. Wright thinks the addition of free-agent Santonio Holmes could make the Bears feel comfortable about the move.

"The team might opt to use the short-term designation on Wilson given the presence of veteran receiver Santonio Holmes, who is now expected to take on the No. 3 role," he wrote.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will we see Manziel in Week 1? [/h] September, 2, 2014 Sep 2

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Although veteran backup Brian Hoyer beat out rookie Johnny Manziel for the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback job in Week 1, that doesn't necessarily mean that we won't see both quarterbacks in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend.

"Even though Cleveland coach Mike Pettine said former Steelers quarterback Brian Hoyer will start, the Steelers expect to see Manziel in some special packages the Browns might have designed for the cocky, physical, elusive 2012 Heisman Trophy winner," wrote Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

We haven't seen much success from quarterbacks who just pop in for some random plays or brief periods, but Troy Polamalu believes that Manziel is better suited for such a role than, say, Tim Tebow was.

"The thing about it, New York tried to do that with Tim Tebow a little bit. But Tebow's a guy you have to just play and play and grind out the entire game," he said. "I don't think Johnny is that type of guy. I think if Johnny came into the game, he would make some splashes, he doesn't need to get into a rhythm."

Obviously, only the Browns know whether JFF is slated to step on the field in Week 1, but the Steelers wisely are preparing for all angles.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

September 3, 2014

[h=3]Will Earl Thomas really return punts? [/h] September, 3, 2014 Sep 3

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By Joe Kaiser | ESPN Insider

Lots of reaction came from the news this week that All-Pro safety Earl Thomas will be Seattle's primary punt returner this season.

See: here.

Seahawks fans and NFL fans are watching this closely, and for good reason -- putting arguably your best player in harms way as a punt returner is a bold, gutsy move by coach Pete Carroll. But will Thomas really be the guy returning punts all season?

{C}

It may happen, but it seems unlikely given the enormous risk; losing someone the caliber of Thomas would be a crushing blow to the Seahawks and their dominant defense.

Carroll downplayed the added element of injury that returning punts presents.

â€œYou guys might live in that world, but we donâ€™t,â€ Carroll said a few weeks ago, per the Tacoma News Tribune. â€œAnybody can get hurt, at any time. You can get hurt stepping off a curb.â€

That being said, Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune tweeted Wednesday that the Seahawks may in fact use another player as their main return man on punts:

"Sensing Earl Thomas will be Seahawks' 'situational' punt returner. Taking 'em when he can get SEA great field position. (Bryan) Walters for the rest."

Walters was recently re-signed after being cut near the end of training camp, and will be active for Thursday's season-opener against Green Bay.

[h=3]How long will Seahawks be without Simon [/h] September, 3, 2014 Sep 3

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By Joe Kaiser | ESPN Insider

The Seattle Seahawks announced Wednesday that backup cornerback Tharold Simon needs minor work on his knee and will miss some time. How long will Simon be out?

Danny O'Neil of 710 AM ESPN Seattle tweets that it "sounds like a potential arthroscopic procedure with recovery to be weeks not months," which would be an ideal scenario as far as the Seahawks are concerned.

Simon was one of the two players -- J.R. Sweezy, being the other -- selected by Seattle with the picks acquired in the deal that sent Aaron Curry to Oakland in 2011.

The good news for Seattle is that fellow backup corner, Jeremy Lane, is listed as probable for Thursday night's season opener against Green Bay.

[h=3]Where Polk fits in Philly's RB rotation [/h] September, 3, 2014 Sep 3

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By Joe Kaiser | ESPN Insider

LeSean McCoy is the starter in Philadelphia. That's as clear as day. But what happens if McCoy goes down or is forced to miss time this season. Who would take over as the top running back on the high-power Eagles' offense?

Would it be the versatile veteran Darren Sproles or third-year back Chris Polk? Here are the latest whispers out of Philly.

{C}

Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com, who on Wednesday wrote about Polk making the 53-man roster ahead of preseason standouts Matthew Tucker and Henry Josey, speculates that it'd be Polk -- not Sproles -- who'd carry the load.

"Polk only has 11 career carries, but if anything happened to LeSean McCoy, heâ€™d be the next guy in," he writes. "Darren Sproles is talented but is hardly a workhorse type of back. Polk is. Potentially.

"The reality is Polk has never had more than four carries in a game. But he is the only running back in NFL history to rush for three touchdowns in a season on 11 or fewer carries."

This sounds more like a hunch than anything concrete, however Frank raises a valid point about the 5-foot-11, 222-pound Polk having what it takes to be a workhorse if McCoy were to go down. This approach would also allow Sproles to stay in his same role, regardless of what happens with McCoy this season, as a change of pace back and pass-catcher out of the backfield.

[h=3]Will Eifert play in Week 1? [/h] September, 3, 2014 Sep 3

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By Joe Kaiser | ESPN Insider

Cincinnati tight end Tyler Eifert missed the team's final three preseason games due to a sore shoulder, and the question is whether he'll be able to play in the Bengals' Week 1 opener at Baltimore.

Here's the latest on that.

{C}

According to Coley Harvey of ESPN's NFL Nation, Eifert expects to play Sunday.

The 6-foot-6, 250-pounder showed flashes as a rookie after being picked No. 21 overall in 2013, finishing with 39 catches for 445 yards and two touchdowns. That being said, until he becomes a bigger part of the Bengals passing game his fantasy value will be limited.

Eifert comes in as the No. 23 ranked fantasy tight end in 2014, a member of the 7th tier, according to ESPN Insider fantasy expert Eric Karabell.

[h=3]Bigger role for Denard Robinson? [/h] September, 3, 2014 Sep 3

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By Joe Kaiser | ESPN Insider

Entering training camp, Jordan Todman was expected to be the primary backup to Toby Gerhart at running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars. But that may no longer be the case.

Jaguars.com writer John Oehser tweeted Tuesday: "Jaguars Week 1 unofficial depth chart: (Denard Robinson) second-team RB ahead of Jordan Todman, Storm Johnson."

Now, it remains to be seen if the fifth-rounder from 2013 will indeed play a bigger role than Todman this season, but if that's the case it could be Robinson -- not Todman -- to keep an eye on in your fantasy league in the event that Gerhart goes down.

Robinson looked good in the preseason, averaging 4.5 yards on 21 carries, but with his lack of size for the position (6-foot, 197 pounds) his durability could be a concern

jam · September 4, 2014

Thanks for this, although you probablyyyyy shouldn't be posting it, lol.

Mike75 · September 4, 2014

Boat i appreciate the insider and look forward to reading it each day.

JAKEPEAVY21 · September 4, 2014

thanks boat :hat

kidkonggolf · September 4, 2014

Good info...thanks boat

:cheers

September 4, 2014

very welcome men

========================= [h=3]Chiefs expecting Titans to air it out? [/h] September, 4, 2014 Sep 4

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Tennessee Titans Sunday in their regular-season opener. What are the Chiefs defensive players expecting to see from the Titans O, under the leadership of new coach Ken Whisenhunt?

It appears that they are looking back to what they saw last season from the San Diego Chargers, when Whisenhunt was their offensive coordinator. Throughout the season, the Chargers leaned heavily on their "11" personnel set, sending three wide receivers onto the field.

â€œI think last year we pretty much ran nickel,â€ cornerback Sean Smith, per Terez A Paylor of the Kansas City Star. â€œIt seems like someone else was in â€˜11â€™ personnel for almost the whole season, so weâ€™re definitely used to it.â€

Paylor noed that, "Against the Chargers last season, the Chiefs were in their nickel defense roughly 80 percent of the time."

During the preseason, when the Titans used 3-WR sets, they had Kendall Wright, Nate Washington and Justin Hunter on the field. Chris Owens handled the Chiefs' slot CB duties in exhibition action.

It looks like all four of them will see plenty of snaps on Sunday.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will Pats shut down TE Clay again? [/h] September, 4, 2014 Sep 4

12:25

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

It is well documented that New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick routinely tries to neutralize what his opponent does best. Time will tell what exactly the new-look Miami Dolphins offense does best this year, but last season the Pats put a target on TE Charles Clay.

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"Against the Dolphins in the second meeting last year, Belichick decided the one thing he needed to shut down was tight end Charles Clay," wrote Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.

"The Patriots bracketed and sometimes double-covered Clay in that second meeting. Clay had caught seven passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns against the Steelers the week before the New England game. He caught one pass for six yards against the Patriots."

No one outside of the Pats organization knows how Belichick is game-planning for their regular-season opener, but if he targets Clay again, the tight end could be in for a long day.

"Clay is a mismatch machine in that heâ€™s going to be a tough cover for the Patriots smaller corners like Malcolm Butler, Alfonzo Dennard and Kyle Arrington," wrote Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com. "The Patriots could spring Darrelle Revis or Jamie Collins on Clay to even things up.

"Whatever the Patriots show, the Dolphins will formation and align to try and get those favorable matchups. Because they are high on Charles."

Clay carries fantasy breakout potential in OC Bill Lazor's system, but we aren't likely to see him bust loose in Week 1 against the Pats.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]How will Rodgers handle noise in SEA? [/h] September, 4, 2014 Sep 4

10:58

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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The 2014 NFL campaign finally kicks off Thursday evening, when the Green Bay Packers visit the Seattle Seahawks, which have the best home-field advantage in the league. How have they been preparing to deal with the deafening environment at CenturyLink Field?

"The Green Bay Packers practiced with more noise â€“ both crowd sounds and music â€“ than ever before to get ready for the decibel levels at CenturyLink Field," wrote ESPN Packers reporter Rob Demovsky.

Another thing the Packers have been further developing to deal with crowd noise is QB Aaron Rodgers' use of hand signals during their no-huddle sets.

"For obvious reasons, players and coaches were reluctant to talk about the hand signals Rodgers uses when the crowd noise is too loud for his receivers to hear his calls. His receivers will work off them a great deal inside CenturyLink. If [coach Mike] McCarthy and his staff have done their job, it shouldn't be an issue," wrote Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

"The more the Packers have run the no-huddle the better they've got at speeding up the signal process and maintaining the fast tempo they feel is critical to success. The longer the offense stays together the more they're able to expand it. It would be a lot different if Rodgers were playing with three rookie receivers instead of Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Jarrett Boykin."

The biggest concern for Rodgers heading into the game likely is how rookie Corey Linsley will handle things as the starting center in place of the injured JC Tretter.

In the end, Rodgers may well lead the Packers to a win, but the odds are stacked against a prolific statistical performance:

[h=5]Scott Kacsmar[/h] Week 1 picks for salary-cap games

"Aaron Rodgers (minus-5 points): If you have Rodgers in a standard, you're probably going to start him no matter the matchup, but if you're in a salary-cap league, this is a good week to avoid what usually would be a must-start choice. Rodgers returns to Seattle, the site of the crime where he was sacked eight times in the first half in a 2012 loss. The Seahawks have both the best defense and top home-field advantage in the league right now. Seattle's defense has also thrived in these big matchups. Since 2011, the Seahawks are 8-1 against the league's current group of seven Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks (excluding

Russell Wilson

, of course). Those quarterbacks combined for 10 touchdowns and 13 interceptions and averaged 275.9 passing yards per game. You definitely don't want to overpay for Rodgers this week."

{C} Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]San Antonio still in mix for Raiders? [/h] September, 4, 2014 Sep 4

9:23

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

A report came out Wednesday evening that the Oakland Raiders may finally have a deal nearly worked out that would keep the team in Oakland and give them a new stadium.

{C}

"A new Raiders stadium offer worked out by Oakland Mayor Jean Quan's development people calls for giving free land to the team and for city and Alameda County taxpayers to pay off $120 million they still owe for the 1990s overhaul of the Coliseum - which would be demolished," wrote Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross of SFGate.com.

However, this is anything but a done deal.

"Even as [owner Mark] Davis thinks it over, questions are being raised about whether the proposed deal will fly," Matier and Ross added, while noting that it wasn't clear from where the $120 million would actually come.

Furthermore, Josh Baugh and Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reported that San Antonio isn't out of the picture as a potential landing spot for the Raiders.

"City Manager Sheryl Sculley said late Wednesday that 'we're still in conversations' with the team, despite Bay Area news reports," they wrote.

Still, the Raiders moving to Texas may be a reach.

Per the Express-News, Billionaire businessman B.J. â€œRedâ€ McCombs, who has been involved in Raiders-to-San Antonio discussions said that, "He's heard nothing out of the Bay Area that indicates the team is leaning toward moving to San Antonio."

In other words, Oakland remains the most logical long-term city for the Raiders, but many moving parts remain in motion as all parties try to finalize a deal.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL

[h=3]What can we expect from Gronk? [/h] September, 4, 2014 Sep 4

8:51

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

When healthy, Rob Gronkowski is a nearly unstoppable force. Of course, the healthy stretches have been few and far between for Gronk in recent years. He's expected to play against the Miami Dolphins in the New England Patriots' season opener, but what can we expect from the tight end after not seeing him in action since last season?

{C}

Per Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald, in the six games Gronk has played against the Fins, he has mustered just 24 catches for 339 yards and three touchdowns and has topped 100 yards only once.

"The Dolphins are expected to employ another by-committee approach this time around. [Jimmy Wilson], [Koa Misi], Louis Delmas and Dannell Ellerbe all could get a crack at him," Beasley wrote.

"Philip Wheeler also drew Gronkowski in coverage last year, but if tackling is the top priority, as Wilson mentioned, the Dolphins might do well to use someone else. His entire right hand was in a black cast Wednesday; he is dealing with a thumb injury."

Since Gronkowski would be a key part of the Pats' Super Bowl aspirations, they surely will be considering his long-term status when deciding how to use him early on this season. That likely will result in a snap count or relatively limited usage in Week 1.

Fantasy owners shouldn't stress much, because even if he isn't on the field for every snap, we can safely expect him to be targeted where it matters the most: in the red zone.

{C} Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will Crabtree play versus Cowboys? [/h] September, 4, 2014 Sep 4

7:49

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The hype machine for Michael Crabtree was running hot all offseason. It's been a year and half since his Achilles ruptured, he made it through the offseason unscathed, the San Francisco 49ers may open up the passing game more, and he is in a contract year. In other words, all signs were pointing toward a career-best campaign.

{C}

But then a hamstring injury cost Crabtree more than two weeks of training camp. He got over that malady, but then he appeared on Wednesday's injury report with an injured calf. Will we see him in action for their Week 1 opener?

"Crabtree's availability for the regular-season opener on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys is not known," wrote Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.

Although Crabtree missed just one game during the 2010-12 campaigns, he missed five games as a rookie and 11 games last year. Now he is trying to shake off a calf injury during the first week of this season after battling a hamstring injury. There is no getting around the health concerns surrounding Crabtree at this point of his career.

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

September 5, 2014

[h=3]Long-term outlook for KC backfield [/h] September, 5, 2014 Sep 5

12:58

PM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Aside from a torn ACL which all but nixed his 2010 campaign, Jamaal Charles has been a reliable workhorse, missing just two games in his other five seasons. He will continue to be a workhorse this season after topping the 300-touch mark in 2012 and 2013.

At age 27, he is right in his prime. Running backs typically fade quickly once they reach 30, but Chiefs announcer Mitch Holthus thinks Charles could continue to produce into his 30s. Why?

â€œOne, Andy Reidâ€™s offense and the way he schemes,â€ Holthus said, per the KC Star. â€œAnd two, (because of backup running backs) Knile Davis, Deâ€™Anthony Thomas and Cyrus Gray, because theyâ€™ve shown the acumen to take some of the carries and touches away from him.â€

Davis and Thomas appear capable of giving Charles regular breaks to keep him fresh in the short term. As times passes and Charles pushes closer to 30, Thomas, in particular, could take on a larger role in the Chiefs O:

[h=5]Adam Caplan[/h] Can De'Anthony Thomas be Andy Reid's new Brian Westbrook?

"Chiefs selected Thomas in the fourth round of this year's NFL draft, it was a surprise to some team observers because the Chiefs already had the speedy Jamaal Charles as the starter. But after covering head coach Andy Reid for so many years in Philadelphia, I know Reid sees the game much differently than many people do. He coached running back/wide receiver

Dexter McCluster

last season, but allowed him to walk in free agency. Thomas not only will assume McCluster's change-of-pace role, but Thomas could wind up having a bigger long-term impact on the Chiefs' offense, much like Brian Westbrook did for so many years with the Eagles. Thomas and Westbrook are "spatial" players, meaning they are best used in space away from the formation. And coaches can use their speed against defenders in one-on-one-matchups. When Reid selected Westbrook in the third round of the 2002 draft, many personnel executives thought he was too small (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) to have an impact in the NFL. However, Westbrook was able to put on weight (he got to over 200 pounds) without losing his speed. Thomas is in the 5-foot-8, 175- to 180-pound range. But the speed traits are similar between the two backs. Reid sees smaller backs differently than most NFL personnel executives do. It's not about their size; it's about what they can do with the ball with their hands."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Real concern about Ellington's foot? [/h] September, 5, 2014 Sep 5

11:38

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

UPDATE: Although the results of the MRI Andre Ellington had on his foot Thursday have yet to be released, Fox Sports' Mike Jurecki tweeted Friday morning that he is "hearing he could be out extended period of time."

One of the knocks on Ellington coming out of college was a lack of durability. He missed five games in 2010 due to a foot ailment, which required offseason surgery. He also had minor ankle surgery in 2012.

As noted below, if Ellington can't go Monday, he will miss out on a great opportunity. ---

The fantasy hype for Andre Ellington was in full swing all offseason and never let up during the preseason. He is expected to carry a heavy load as an integral part of the Arizona Cardinals offense and appears to have the requisite talent to pay big statistical dividends.

{C}

However, as we head toward their regular-season opener, there suddenly are real health concerns for Ellington. He was listed as limited in Thursday's practice due to a sore foot. How serious is the malady?

"Hearing Andre Ellington was dealing with some discomfort in his left foot the past week, irritated his foot during practice on Thursday #MRI," tweeted Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports.

Jurecki added that an MRI was performed on Ellington's foot Thursday, though the results have yet to be released.

The Cardinals face the San Diego Chargers in their opener. Hopefully, we will hear more about his status on Friday, but if Ellington is unable to go Monday, the Cards will have a significant drop off in talent at running back with Jonathan Dwyer and Stepfan Taylor as his replacement options in the backfield.

On the other hand, if Ellington can shake it off, he could take advantage of a terrific matchup for a big night:

[h=5]Scott Kacsmar[/h] Week 1 picks for salary-cap games

"Andre Ellington (plus-2 points): In case you didn't notice, a lot of Cardinals appear in the favorable table (see above). That's because San Diego's defense was dead last in DVOA last season (31st against the run, 31st against the pass). The Chargers will be better this year, but we have to see it first. Arizona could be involved in a shootout on Monday night. Ellington has big-play ability and extra value in a PPR league. Perhaps this is his chance for a breakout game on a national stage."

{C} Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Is Marrone on thin ice in Buffalo? [/h] September, 5, 2014 Sep 5

11:30

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

The Buffalo Bills were 6-10 during Doug Marrone's first season as head coach. Now, with a shaky preseason from his second-year quarterback EJ Manuel, a dinged-up rookie wide receiver in Sammy Watkins and new ownership likely to take control of the franchise during the season, Marrone's future with the team may be tenuous.

In fact, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported Friday that Marrone recently got into "a loud verbal altercation on the practice field" with several front office personnel. Here are some of the details:

"The incident began with Marrone, who sources said has had a strained relationship with director of player personnel Jim Monos from their time together in New Orleans, getting into a loud exchange with Monos in which the men were cursing at each other to the point where others noticed ('they were more or less MFing each other,' is how one source put it)," La Canfora wrote.

"General manager Doug Whaley then intervened. The expletives continued and finally team president and acting owner Russ Brandon tried to defuse the situation by getting involved in an attempt to get all parties to 'shut up,' as one source put it.

"But that too escalated into more yelling and hollering, with Brandon and Marrone ultimately separated by their peers and Marrone, in earshot of players, making remarks along the lines of 'go ahead and fire me,' before order was restored and the team took the field for practice."

Prior to this news, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan dubbed Marrone's coaching seat as "warm," but the temperature could quickly rise if he is unable to lead the Bills to enough victories in 2014:

[h=5]Adam Caplan[/h] Coaches entering 2014 on hot seat

"When you have new ownership on the horizon -- a situation that should be resolved over the next few months -- you typically will have change coming within the organizational structure. The new owner will often bring his own business people, and, in some cases, a new head coach. Some high-ranking executives believe that unless the Bills post a winning record this season -- they've done that only once in the past 14 seasons (1999) -- there will be sweeping changes coming, which likely would result in changes within the coaching staff and the front office. I've talked to multiple veteran executives who've been through ownership changes. And the one common comment I get is that, as the season goes along, the rumors will continue to persist about your job status unless you're winning, and it's hard to block that out of your mind while you're trying to do your job."

Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Will Giants double team Megatron? [/h] September, 5, 2014 Sep 5

10:55

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

Because Calvin Johnson is such a dominant threat on the field, double-teaming him is a common game plan for opposing defensive coordinators.

{C}

Will the New York Giants double-up on Megatron Monday night?

"We can definitely just line up each side and just play ball," Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie said. "We'll just stay on our sides and do what we've been doing all camp, left and right."

As for which Giants cornerbacks will play where Monday, Tom Rock of Newsday notes that, "[Prince Amukamara] will take the right side and Rodgers-Cromartie the left. And when Johnson goes into the slot? That's where [Walter Thurmond] will be."

The Giants ranked 10th in the NFL last season in pass defense, allowing 223 passing yards per game. Since then, they revamped their secondary by adding DRC and Thurmond, so their confidence in being able to cover Johnson one-on-one may be well-placed.

Furthermore, the Giants have kept Johnson in check in past outings: in three games ('07, '10, '13), Johnson has has just 11 receptions for 234 yards and 2 TDs. In last season's finale, he caught three passes for 43 yards and failed to score against the Giants, though he was battling through a nagging right knee injury.

{C} Tags: Insider NFL, NFL, Fantasy NFL

[h=3]Who would replace Lacy for Packers? [/h] September, 5, 2014 Sep 5

9:44

AM ET

By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

RB Eddie Lacy got off to a good start Thursday evening, racking up rushes of six and 15 yards in his first two attempts. It was all downhill after that, though, as he tacked on just 13 yards on his next 10 rushes before exiting with a concussion.

{C}

"He left the locker room wearing sunglasses but could not talk to reporters per the NFL's concussion policy," noted ESPN Green Bay Packers reporter Rob Demovsky.

Lacy will enter the NFL's concussion protocol and won't be cleared for game action until he passes all of the requirements. The good news is that he has 10 days to recover before their next game. The bad news is that the Packers have another tough defensive matchup in Week 2 when they face the stout New York Jets rush D.

Lacy is backed up by James Starks and DuJuan Harris. Which one should fantasy owners target, in case Lacy hasn't recovered from his concussion by the time Week 2 rolls around?:

[h=5]Mike Clay[/h]

â€œYouâ€™ll be out there?â€ Gray followed.

â€œI sure hope so,â€ Brady replied. â€œI mean, anything can happen to anyone between now and then but Iâ€™m looking forward to playing Sunday.â€

ESPN New England Patriots reporter Mike Reiss notes that a one-day absence for Brady isn't ideal, but it shouldn't be much of a concern:

[h=5]Mike Reiss[/h] It takes a lot to keep Brady out of practice

"Quarterback Tom Brady loves to practice, so when he's not on the field with his teammates four days before a season-opening game, it is notable. It takes a lot to keep Brady out of practice. ... With this in mind, Brady's absence obviously is not ideal for the New England Patriots and simply can't be dismissed as no big deal. At the same time, the calf injury sustained by Brady, presumably in Wednesday's practice, isn't expected to keep him out of Sunday's game at Miami. Mostly, it throws a wrench into the team's preparations and will tap the mental toughness of Brady and his teammates."

TNVOLFAN · September 6, 2014

Thx for posting this boat

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